Ram Mandir theft probe: SIT to question ex-trustee Anil Mishra
Synopsis
The Ram Mandir theft probe has a new urgency — a Supreme Court-directed SIT is now closing in on former trustee Dr Anil Mishra, with bank records and Trust documents already in hand. The case cuts to the heart of accountability at one of India's most prominent religious institutions, and the judicial oversight signals this will not be quietly buried.
Key Takeaways
The Supreme Court on 20 July directed formation of a new SIT to probe alleged theft of offerings at the Ram Mandir , Ayodhya.
The Uttar Pradesh government reconstituted the three-member SIT on 26 July , headed by IG Kiran S , with DIG Somen Verma and SSP Dr Gaurav Grover .
Former trustee Dr Anil Mishra is set to be questioned; a notice has already been initiated.
Statements of bank personnel involved in counting offerings have been recorded; Trust office-bearers are being questioned.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust deferred its first-ever CEO appointment by about a month during a 22 July special meeting.
The investigation into the alleged theft of offerings at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has regained momentum following a directive from the Supreme Court, with a newly constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) preparing to question former trustee Dr Anil Mishra. The probe, centred on alleged irregularities in donations and offerings at the temple, is now advancing systematically under court supervision.
SIT Formation and Composition
On 20 July, the Supreme Court directed the formation of a fresh SIT under the oversight of senior IPS officers to ensure a thorough investigation. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member team headed by Inspector General (IG) Kiran S. The SIT also includes Ayodhya Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Somen Verma and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Gaurav Grover. The team was formally reconstituted on 26 July by the state government.
Key Developments in the Probe
Statements of bank personnel involved in counting temple offerings have already been recorded. The process of recording statements from office-bearers of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is now underway. According to officials, a notice has been initiated to summon Dr Anil Mishra, a former trustee, for questioning based on banking records, documents, and other evidence gathered during the investigation.
Sources indicated that if required, other Trust office-bearers — including Gopal Rao — may also be questioned. Although a formal SIT meeting is yet to be convened, police officials maintain the investigation is progressing in a steady and systematic manner.
Trust's Internal Decisions
Separately, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust held a special meeting on 22 July, during which it deferred the appointment of its first-ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO) by approximately one month. The Trust did, however, appoint a spokesperson to strengthen communication related to the temple's affairs.
The meeting also finalised the appointment of a full-time General Secretary and decided to reconstitute its religious committee, with the stated aim of preserving the traditional authenticity, sanctity, and purity of rituals conducted within the temple complex.
What Happens Next
The SIT is expected to formally question Dr Anil Mishra in the coming days, with the inquiry guided by banking records and documentary evidence. The Supreme Court's continued supervision signals that the probe will face sustained judicial scrutiny. How the Trust's internal restructuring intersects with the investigation's findings is likely to remain a closely watched development.
Point of View
Or it may reflect an attempt to manage optics during a sensitive moment. Either way, the convergence of a court-supervised criminal probe and internal Trust restructuring makes Ayodhya's temple administration one of the most consequential accountability stories in Indian religious institutions this year.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ram Mandir theft case about?
The case involves alleged theft and irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings made at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Supreme Court directed a fresh SIT probe after concerns arose over how the initial investigation was conducted.
Who is Dr Anil Mishra in the Ram Mandir case?
Dr Anil Mishra is a former trustee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The SIT is preparing to question him based on banking records and documentary evidence collected during the probe.
Who constitutes the new SIT investigating the Ram Mandir case?
The three-member SIT is headed by Inspector General (IG) Kiran S and also includes Ayodhya Range DIG Somen Verma and SSP Dr Gaurav Grover. It was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on 26 July following the Supreme Court's directive.
What did the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust decide at its 22 July meeting?
The Trust deferred the appointment of its first-ever CEO by about one month, appointed a spokesperson for temple communications, finalised a full-time General Secretary, and decided to reconstitute its religious committee to preserve ritual sanctity.
What is the Supreme Court's role in this investigation?
The Supreme Court on 20 July directed the formation of a new SIT under senior IPS officers to investigate the matter thoroughly, placing the probe under direct judicial supervision to ensure accountability.
