The special investigation team (SIT) looking into the alleged misappropriation and irregularities in offerings and donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, has concluded its inquiry. In its latest status report submitted before the Supreme Court, the investigating agency stated that the probe has been finalized and a formal chargesheet is likely to be filed before the competent court by September 25, 2026. The comprehensive investigation covered alleged unauthorised cash withdrawals as well as the physical auditing of precious assets donated by devotees.
Origin of the Criminal Complaint and Evidentiary Scrutiny
The case centres on allegations involving the unauthorised extraction and embezzlement of funds contributed to the temple. Following preliminary findings, a formal case was registered on June 25, 2026, at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station in Ayodhya against eight individuals. Throughout the investigative process, the agency examined extensive electronic and physical evidence, including surveillance footage, witness testimonies, financial ledgers, banking statements, mobile communication logs, and internal accounting documentation.
Surveillance Records Trace 105 Instances of Unauthorised Cash Extraction
A central finding in the report submitted before the apex court concerns the surveillance footage from the counting room situated inside the temple complex's PFC building. Detailed forensic inspection of the closed-circuit television recordings revealed 105 separate instances where cash was taken out without authorization or concealed from official records inside the counting area. The findings highlighted that assistance from other individuals aided these actions. The SIT identified eight primary accused individuals on the strength of this video footage and associated records, subsequently compiling comprehensive dossiers on their bank balances and personal assets.
Scrutiny of 803 Valuables Stored in Bank Lockers
Addressing the audit of precious physical items donated to the shrine, the agency detailed that 803 high-value articles alongside their official receipts and record books were placed under examination. These valuables are held inside the secure vaults of the State Bank of India, and investigators carried out on-site inspections of the lockers. The SIT found no irregularities, missing items, or discrepancies in the records of these 803 articles. Furthermore, another set of 86 valuable articles that lacked formal donation receipts was identified independently, and their physical verification was conducted successfully.
Audit of Silver Bricks and Devotional Offerings
The investigators also verified documentation pertaining to approximately 944.411 kilograms of white metal, identified as silver, alongside examining various claims regarding silver offerings that had circulated across news and social media platforms. According to the findings, thorough verification of significant consignments, including silver bricks weighing 200 kilograms and 38.288 kilograms, as well as silver garlands, sacred footprints (charan paduka), and consecrated copies of the Ramcharitmanas, revealed no foul play or financial discrepancies.
Statements Recorded from 173 Witnesses with Next Hearing on November 2
The evidentiary process included recording statements from 173 witnesses up to September 14, 2026. This extensive roster of witnesses comprised temple trust functionaries, accounting personnel, banking representatives, on-duty security staff, surveillance operators, certified chartered accountants, and other operational personnel. The SIT informed the bench that while the principal probe is complete, provisions of criminal procedure permit further supplementary investigation if additional leads emerge after the filing of the chargesheet. Directing that a copy of the finalized chargesheet be placed before the court once submitted, the Supreme Court listed the matter for its subsequent hearing on November 2, 2026.
