The Uttar Pradesh government has reconstituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities in donations and offerings at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, acting on direct instructions from the Supreme Court of India. The move marks a significant escalation in judicial oversight of the embezzlement case that has cast a shadow over the country's most prominent religious site.

New SIT Composition

The reconstituted SIT is led by Inspector General (IG) Kiran S, a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, in line with the Supreme Court's directive that the probe be headed by an officer of appropriate seniority. The team also includes Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ayodhya Somen Verma and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ayodhya Dr Gaurav Grover as members.

The Supreme Court bench — headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohan — had ordered the state government to form a fresh SIT and directed that a status report of the investigation be submitted by 27 July.

Arrests and Asset Recovery So Far

As of the latest update, eight accused have been arrested by Ayodhya Police in connection with the alleged embezzlement of temple donations. Investigators have reportedly recovered cash, vehicles, investment-related documents, and other assets purportedly acquired using misappropriated funds.

This is the second SIT constituted for the case, underscoring the court's dissatisfaction with the pace or structure of the earlier probe. The case has drawn national attention given the religious and political significance of the Ram Temple, which was consecrated in January 2024.

Temple Trust Takes Internal Steps

Separately, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust held a special meeting on 22 July to address governance concerns. The Trust deferred its decision on appointing a first-ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO) by approximately one month, while appointing a dedicated spokesperson to manage the temple's public communications.

The Trust also confirmed the appointment of a full-time General Secretary and decided to reconstitute its religious committee to preserve traditional authenticity and purity in rituals. The new nine-member religious committee includes Jagadguru Shankaracharya Jyotishpeethadhipati Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, Madhvapithadhipati Swami Vishwaprasannatirtha Ji Maharaj, Swami Yugpurush Parmanand Ji, Swami Dinendradas Ji (Nirmohi Akhara), Swami Kamalnayandas Ji (Maniram Chhavani), Mahant Rajkumar Das Ji (Ramavallabh Kunj), Swami Ramanand Das Ji (Ram Katha Kunj), and Swami Mithileshnandini Sharan Ji.

Pilgrim Flow Remains Unaffected, Trust Says

Amid the controversy, the Trust on 26 July released fresh photographs showing large numbers of devotees continuing to visit the Ram Mandir daily. According to the Trust, the steady influx of pilgrims reflects the 'unwavering faith of devotees despite all the controversies surrounding the temple administration.'

The photographs were released a day after the Trust asserted that pilgrim footfall had remained unaffected by the ongoing embezzlement allegations. The Trust's communications appear aimed at reassuring the faithful that the sanctity of the temple remains intact.

What Happens Next

The reconstituted SIT is expected to file its first status report before the Supreme Court on 27 July. The case will test whether the new team can move swiftly enough to satisfy the bench's expectations, and whether the Trust's internal reforms are sufficient to restore public confidence in the temple's administration.