Mahant Kamal Nayan Das, the designated successor to Ram Temple Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, on Thursday, 18 June demanded an impartial, time-bound investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, and called for strict action against all those found guilty. His remarks came days after a police complaint triggered the formation of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the controversy.

What Mahant Kamal Nayan Das Said

Speaking to reporters, Mahant Kamal Nayan Das did not mince words. He noted that questions naturally arise when individuals who once travelled by bicycle are now seen driving expensive vehicles, adding that only a fair probe could clarify the full picture.

The Mahant also expressed confidence in the SIT constituted under Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's instructions, saying he believed it would identify and punish the culprits. He further stated that Chief Minister Adityanath himself would want no leniency shown to those who, in his words, sullied the name of the Ram Mandir.

The Donation Controversy Explained

The row centres on alleged irregularities in the handling of chadhava — offerings made by devotees — at the Ram Temple. Local media reports first flagged that donation records appeared incomplete, with amounts in the form of cash, cheques, gold, silver, and expensive gifts unaccounted for.

The matter escalated to national attention after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav publicly raised the issue, describing crores of rupees going missing from temple donations as 'extremely sensitive' for devotees and shameful for the temple trust.

The SIT and Its Composition

Following a formal police complaint, a three-member SIT was constituted comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan. The team has been tasked with probing the allegations of embezzlement.

Notably, Mahant Kamal Nayan Das underscored that during the construction phase of the Ram Temple, all donations — including cheques, gold, silver, and other gifts — were received with complete honesty and transparency, and records were maintained accordingly. He drew a clear distinction between that period and the alleged recent irregularities.

Political Context and Upcoming Celebrations

The controversy has unfolded just ahead of the birth anniversary celebrations of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, beginning 19 June. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to arrive in Ayodhya on Friday for the Ram Katha, which marks the start of a week-long programme.

This comes amid heightened political scrutiny of temple administration, with opposition parties using the controversy to question the governance of one of India's most prominent religious institutions. The SIT's findings are expected to determine whether the matter results in criminal proceedings.