Ram Mandir donation row: SIT submits initial findings, final report due soon
Synopsis
The SIT probing the Ram Mandir donation row has handed over its preliminary report to the UP government, flagging procedural lapses in cash handling, gold offerings, and CCTV coverage. With the final report due within days, action against those allegedly involved in misappropriating offerings meant for Lord Ram could be imminent.
Key Takeaways
The three-member SIT submitted its preliminary findings to State Home Secretary Sanjay Prasad on 23 June .
The report reportedly flags lapses in cash handling , gold and jewellery offerings , and CCTV surveillance at the Ram Mandir.
The SIT — comprising Vijay Vishwas Pant , Kiran S , and Neel Ratan — was constituted on 13 June on CM Yogi Adityanath's orders.
The final report is expected within a week; state government action against suspects is likely to follow.
Several individuals involved in handling chadhava and cash donations have already been questioned by the SIT.
The three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged financial irregularities in the Ram Mandir donation row submitted its preliminary findings to the Uttar Pradesh state government on Tuesday, 23 June, pointing to procedural lapses at multiple levels in the management of temple funds and offerings. The report was handed over to State Home Secretary Sanjay Prasad in Lucknow.
What the Initial Report Found
According to reports, the SIT is understood to have identified alleged lapses and loopholes in the handling of gold and jewellery offerings, cash donations, and CCTV surveillance at the temple. Discrepancies in the cash handling process — including its transportation to the Temple Trust office — have reportedly been flagged in the preliminary report.
The team scrutinised temple records related to gold and jewellery offerings, reviewed how cash and other valuables were managed by staff, and examined CCTV footage to arrive at its initial conclusions. A detailed investigation into alleged embezzlement remains ongoing.
Who Is on the SIT
The probe panel comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan. The SIT was constituted on 13 June at the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath after the donation controversy escalated into a political flashpoint, and was mandated to submit its final report within 15 days.
What the Chief Minister Said
During his visit to Ayodhya on 19 June, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the SIT probe would bring out the truth and unmask the irregularities. He also urged devotees to share any 'inputs or evidence' they possessed about alleged malpractices directly with the SIT team.
Suspects Questioned, Action Expected Soon
The SIT has grilled several suspects during its investigation, including individuals directly involved in handling cash donations and chadhava (offerings) at the temple. Once the final report is submitted — expected within a week — the state government is likely to act against those under the scanner for alleged financial mismanagement and the siphoning of cash and offerings meant for Lord Ram for personal use.
This comes amid broader scrutiny of temple fund management practices across major religious institutions in India, where large-scale cash and gold donations have historically presented oversight challenges. The Ram Mandir case, given its national significance, has drawn particular political attention and is being closely watched by both ruling and opposition parties.
Point of View
The same vulnerabilities almost certainly exist at hundreds of lesser-scrutinised shrines. The political dimension adds pressure on the Yogi government to act decisively, but swift punitive action before the final report risks being seen as pre-judging the probe. The real test will be whether accountability extends upward through the Temple Trust hierarchy or stops at ground-level staff.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What has the Ram Mandir SIT found so far?
The SIT has reportedly flagged procedural lapses in cash handling, gold and jewellery offerings management, and CCTV surveillance at the Ram Mandir in its preliminary report submitted on 23 June. A detailed investigation into alleged embezzlement is still ongoing.
When will the SIT submit its final report?
The SIT was directed to submit its final report within 15 days of its constitution on 13 June, meaning the final report is expected within approximately a week of 23 June. State government action against suspects is likely to follow shortly after.
Who constituted the Ram Mandir SIT and why?
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered the formation of the SIT on 13 June after the Ram Mandir donation row turned into a political controversy. The panel was tasked with probing alleged irregularities and misappropriation of funds, gold, and other offerings at the temple.
Who are the members of the Ram Mandir SIT?
The three-member SIT comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan.
What action is expected after the final SIT report?
Once the final report is submitted, the Uttar Pradesh government is expected to take action against individuals under the scanner for alleged financial mismanagement and siphoning of donations meant for Lord Ram. Several suspects have already been questioned during the investigation.
