{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "SIT Concludes Probe into Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Irregularities Case, Chargesheet Expected by September 25",
  "summary": "The special investigation team has wrapped up its probe into alleged donation irregularities at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and informed the Supreme Court that a chargesheet is likely by September 25, 2026.",
  "content": "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.\n\nOrigin of the Criminal Complaint and Evidentiary Scrutiny\nThe 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.\n\nSurveillance Records Trace 105 Instances of Unauthorised Cash Extraction\nA 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.\n\nScrutiny of 803 Valuables Stored in Bank Lockers\nAddressing 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.\n\nAudit of Silver Bricks and Devotional Offerings\nThe 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.\n\nStatements Recorded from 173 Witnesses with Next Hearing on November 2\nThe 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.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThis investigative development sets a precedent for heightened accountability and procedural transparency in managing public temple trusts.\n\n• Across India: Devotees across the country will see tighter surveillance and audit mechanisms enforced across major religious shrines. The findings emphasize strictly regulated cash-counting standards and digital tracking for religious offerings.\n• In Ayodhya: The administrative and security protocols inside the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex will undergo stricter internal controls. Surveillance teams, counting room personnel, and banking staff will operate under reinforced oversight to prevent procedural lapses.\n• For Devotees: Worshippers contributing precious metals or cash will benefit from enhanced computerized cataloging and receipt systems. The physical verification of 86 previously unreceipted valuables highlights a transition toward tighter asset inventory management.\n• In the Legal Arena: The expected filing of the chargesheet by September 25, 2026, paves the way for formal judicial proceedings against the eight named accused. The subsequent Supreme Court hearing on November 2, 2026, will review the progress and legal compliance of the administrative setup.\n\nWhy this happened\nThe investigation was initiated following credible allegations regarding the unauthorized withdrawal and mishandling of devotional offerings within the temple complex.\n\n• Primary Allegations: The inquiry commenced after unauthorized extractions and concealment of cash were detected inside the temple's counting facility. Examination of surveillance tapes from the PFC building confirmed 105 separate instances of improper cash movements.\n• Registration of Police Complaint: Following internal detection of the anomalies, a formal FIR was registered on June 25, 2026, against eight named individuals at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station in Ayodhya. The Supreme Court subsequently monitored the investigation conducted by a dedicated special investigation team.\n• Clarification of Public Speculation: Reports and speculation had surfaced on social networks regarding the alleged diversion of donated precious metals. The SIT examined the banking records, physical lockers containing 803 articles, and approximately 944.411 kilograms of silver to address and clarify these assertions.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What was the SIT investigating regarding the Ram Temple?\nThe SIT was investigating allegations of unauthorized cash withdrawals and financial irregularities in the management of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.\n\n2. When is the chargesheet expected to be submitted?\nThe investigating agency informed the Supreme Court that the probe is complete and a chargesheet is likely to be filed by September 25, 2026.\n\n3. What did the CCTV examination reveal about the counting room?\nSurveillance footage from the PFC building's counting room revealed 105 specific instances where cash was removed without authorization or concealed.\n\n4. Were any irregularities uncovered in the donated silver or valuables?\nNo discrepancies were detected during the audit of 803 valuable articles stored in State Bank of India lockers or in the records for 944.411 kilograms of silver.\n\n5. How many witnesses were examined during the investigation?\nThe SIT recorded formal statements from 173 witnesses up to September 14, 2026, including trust officials, bank staff, and security personnel.\n\n6. When is the next Supreme Court hearing scheduled in this matter?\nThe Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 2, 2026, directing that a copy of the chargesheet be presented to the court.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-ke-ram-mandir-dana-herapheri-prakarana-men-sit-ki-paratala-snpanna-jalda-pesha-hogi-charjashita-36280",
  "category": "Uttar Pradesh",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-22",
  "tags": [
    "Ram Mandir",
    "Ayodhya",
    "Supreme Court",
    "SIT Investigation",
    "Donation Irregularities",
    "Chargesheet"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}