Kejriwal calls Ram Temple SIT an eyewash, to visit Ayodhya Friday
Synopsis
Arvind Kejriwal has called the Ram Temple donation-theft SIT legally invalid — no FIR, no powers, no accountability. With VHP also demanding an FIR, the controversy is no longer just an opposition talking point. Kejriwal's Friday temple visit turns up the political heat on the Uttar Pradesh government and the Ram Temple trust.
Key Takeaways
Arvind Kejriwal arrived in Ayodhya on Thursday, 25 June and is set to visit the Ram Temple and Hanumangarhi on Friday.
He called the SIT formed to probe alleged donation theft an 'eyewash', arguing no FIR has been filed despite alleged theft of ₹200 crore and 2 kg of silver .
Kejriwal cited the CrPC , stating an SIT cannot legally be constituted without a prior FIR.
He alleged the SIT was formed to 'protect big names' and lacks investigative powers.
VHP President Alok Kumar also independently demanded an immediate FIR in the matter.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday, 25 June alleged that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the alleged theft of donations at Ayodhya's Ram Temple is nothing more than an 'eyewash', pointing to the absence of any First Information Report (FIR) in the matter. Kejriwal arrived in Ayodhya on Thursday and is scheduled to visit the Ram Temple and Hanumangarhi on Friday.
What Kejriwal Alleged
Speaking to reporters, the AAP chief said: 'According to media reports, these people have stolen Lord Ram's sandals, garlands, lamps, jewellery, diamonds and gems, and even the offerings made to the Lord. Cash amounting to ₹200 crore and around 2 kg of silver have also allegedly been stolen.'
'I am extremely pained to hear all this and there are crores of devotees who are saddened with all this,' he added.
The Legal Argument: No FIR, No Valid SIT
Kejriwal argued that under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), an SIT can only be constituted after an FIR has been registered. 'It is mentioned in the CrPC that SIT will be formed after the FIR is registered,' he stressed. He questioned the legal basis for the probe body, saying: 'This SIT has been formed on the basis of which law? The team doesn't have any power to conduct probe. Therefore, this SIT formation is just an eyewash and a way to deceive people.'
The AAP convener further alleged that the SIT was formed to 'protect big names', noting that a theft of this scale and duration 'would not have been possible without the support of influential people.'
VHP Also Demands FIR
Notably, the demand for a formal FIR has not come from the opposition alone. Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) President Alok Kumar also said on Thursday that an FIR should be registered immediately. He stressed that any diversion of offerings made to Lord Ram's temple amounts to an injury to the faith of the Hindu community — a rare instance of the VHP and AAP finding common ground on a politically sensitive issue.
What Kejriwal Plans Next
Kejriwal said he would offer prayers at the Ram Temple as well as Hanumangarhi on Friday and would also meet seers at Hanumangarhi. The visit is seen as part of AAP's broader outreach ahead of Uttar Pradesh political activity. The party has been amplifying the Ram Temple donation controversy as a governance accountability issue, arguing that the sentiments of crores of Hindus have been hurt by the alleged pilfering of sacred items.
With both opposition leaders and Hindu organisations calling for a formal FIR, pressure on the Uttar Pradesh government and temple trust authorities is likely to intensify in the coming days.
Point of View
For once, saying the same thing: register an FIR. When a Hindu nationalist organisation and an opposition party converge on a demand, it signals that the Ram Temple trust and the Uttar Pradesh government face a credibility problem that cannot be managed through a probe body of uncertain legal standing. The CrPC argument Kejriwal raises is not merely political — it is procedurally sound. An SIT without an underlying FIR has no coercive powers, cannot arrest, and cannot file a chargesheet. If that structural flaw is not addressed, the investigation risks being performative regardless of its findings.
NationPress
25 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Arvind Kejriwal calling the Ram Temple SIT an eyewash?
Kejriwal argues the SIT is legally invalid because no FIR has been registered in the alleged donation theft case. Under the CrPC, an SIT can only be formed after an FIR is filed, and without one, the team has no power to conduct a formal probe or make arrests.
What is the alleged theft at Ayodhya's Ram Temple?
According to media reports cited by Kejriwal, sacred items including sandals, garlands, lamps, jewellery, diamonds, and gems were allegedly stolen from the Ram Temple, along with cash reportedly amounting to ₹200 crore and around 2 kg of silver. These are allegations; no FIR has been filed as of Thursday.
Has anyone else demanded an FIR in the Ram Temple theft case?
Yes. VHP President Alok Kumar also called for an immediate FIR on Thursday, stating that any diversion of offerings to Lord Ram's temple is an injury to the faith of the Hindu community — aligning with Kejriwal's demand despite differing political positions.
What is Arvind Kejriwal's plan in Ayodhya?
Kejriwal arrived in Ayodhya on Thursday, 25 June. On Friday, he is scheduled to offer prayers at the Ram Temple and Hanumangarhi, and also meet seers at Hanumangarhi.
Can an SIT function without an FIR under Indian law?
Kejriwal contends — citing the CrPC — that an SIT must be constituted only after an FIR is registered. Without an FIR, the SIT reportedly has no legal powers to investigate, arrest, or file a chargesheet, raising questions about the probe's effectiveness.
