Ayodhya, Aug 2026 : The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe alleged irregularities and theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has reportedly given a clean chit to former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and former Trust member Anil Mishra.
Rai and Mishra had resigned from their respective positions on June 27 following allegations concerning the handling and collection of donations at the temple. Both were subsequently questioned by the SIT during its investigation into the alleged financial irregularities.
According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh Home Department on Monday submitted the SIT’s final report in the case to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for further action. Sources said Rai denied any involvement in the alleged wrongdoing during his questioning and told investigators that he had himself lodged a complaint after becoming aware of the suspected theft.
Rai reportedly told the investigators that following his complaint, action was taken against those allegedly involved and arrests were subsequently made. He also maintained that ensuring transparency in the collection and management of temple donations and preventing irregularities were among his responsibilities, and that he had acted after receiving information about the alleged wrongdoing.
The three-member SIT was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13 following a request from the temple trust. The investigation was initiated before the Supreme Court subsequently intervened in the matter.
Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant headed the SIT. Inspector General of Police, Range, Kiran S and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan Kumar were the other members of the panel.
The SIT submitted its preliminary findings to the state government on June 23. The report contained several recommendations and paved the way for further legal action in the alleged donation-related irregularities.
Following the preliminary findings, Trust member Krishnamohan submitted a written complaint at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi police station. An FIR was registered on June 25, naming eight individuals along with unidentified persons as accused.
The accused named in the FIR are Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ram Shankar Yadav, alias Tinnu.
All eight named accused have been arrested and booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The final SIT findings, which reportedly clear Rai and Mishra of involvement, now await further action by the temple trust and the concerned authorities. The case has drawn considerable attention because of the sensitive nature of the Ram Temple’s donation management and the importance of maintaining transparency in the handling of contributions from devotees.
