Ram Temple donation probe: UP reconstitutes SIT after Supreme Court order
Synopsis
The Supreme Court has forced the Uttar Pradesh government's hand — a fresh SIT, led by IG Kiran S, must now report on alleged Ram Temple donation misappropriation by 27 July. That Hindu saints and former Babri litigant Iqbal Ansari are both backing the probe signals rare cross-community consensus on the need for accountability at India's most politically charged religious site.
Key Takeaways
The Uttar Pradesh government reconstituted the SIT probing alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple, Ayodhya , on 26 July .
The Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant ordered the fresh SIT and sought a status report by 27 July .
The new SIT is led by IG Kiran S , with DIG Somen Verma and SSP Gaurav Grover as members — all reportedly Ayodhya residents.
Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya and Saint Varun Das welcomed the reconstitution, urging honest and transparent inquiry.
Former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari endorsed the new committee, calling it a 'welcome step' and asking devotees to trust the process.
The Uttar Pradesh government has reconstituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged misappropriation of donations and offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, following a direct order from the Supreme Court of India. The move has drawn broad support from Hindu saints in Ayodhya and former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari, who described the step as timely and necessary.
Supreme Court's Role
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, and comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohan, ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to constitute a fresh SIT under the leadership of a senior IPS officer. The court also directed that a status report of the investigation be submitted by 27 July.
Composition of the New SIT
According to reports, the reconstituted SIT is led by Inspector General (IG) Kiran S and includes Ayodhya Deputy Inspector General of Police Somen Verma and Ayodhya Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover as members. All three are reportedly residents of Ayodhya, a detail that former litigant Iqbal Ansari specifically highlighted as a mark of confidence in the team.
What the Saints Said
Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya of Tapaswi Chhawani thanked the apex court for the reconstitution, expressing hope that the SIT would restore the temple's image and preserve the sanctity of the temple town. 'We are hopeful that the senior officials of the SIT will carry out their responsibilities with full dedication and honesty and the stain of this misappropriation of donation will be removed,' he said, adding: 'I hope such an incident doesn't ever get repeated.'
Saint Varun Das also welcomed the new SIT, calling for a thorough and transparent inquiry. 'We hope the investigation would be conducted to the satisfaction of the devotees of Lord Ram,' he said, describing Shri Ram Janmbhoomi not merely as a temple or institution but as the 'centre of faith.'
Iqbal Ansari's Endorsement
Former litigant in the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid case, Iqbal Ansari, called the reconstitution 'a welcome step,' urging the government to ensure there is no negligence in oversight. He noted that having officials who understand how the temple town functions would lend credibility to the probe, and urged devotees to place their trust in the investigation.
What Happens Next
With the Supreme Court having set 27 July as the deadline for a status report, the reconstituted SIT is under immediate pressure to demonstrate progress. The case is closely watched given the religious and political significance of the Ram Temple, which was inaugurated in January 2024 after decades of legal dispute. Any finding of financial irregularity could have significant implications for the temple trust's governance and public credibility.
Point of View
A figure synonymous with the Babri Masjid side of the dispute, both demanding accountability. The Ram Temple trust's governance has been under scrutiny since its high-profile inauguration, and a confirmed finding of financial irregularity could damage an institution that the ruling dispensation has positioned as a civilisational milestone. The 27 July deadline for a status report is tight, and whether the reconstituted SIT can deliver credible findings — or becomes another procedural exercise — will define public trust in the temple's administration for years to come.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the Ram Temple SIT been reconstituted?
The Supreme Court ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to form a fresh SIT under a senior IPS officer to investigate alleged misappropriation of donations and offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The court found it necessary to upgrade the probe's leadership and directed a status report by 27 July.
Who is leading the new Ram Temple SIT?
Inspector General (IG) Kiran S is heading the reconstituted SIT. The team also includes Ayodhya Deputy Inspector General of Police Somen Verma and Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover as members.
What is the Supreme Court's deadline for the SIT report?
The bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed the SIT to submit a status report of its investigation by 27 July.
Why did Iqbal Ansari welcome the new SIT?
Former Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari said the reconstituted committee is credible because all its members are residents of Ayodhya and understand how the temple town functions. He called it a 'welcome step' and urged devotees to trust the process.
What is the significance of the Ram Temple donation misappropriation case?
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya is one of India's most politically and religiously significant institutions, inaugurated in January 2024 after decades of legal dispute. Allegations of financial irregularity in the handling of donations strike at the governance credibility of the temple trust and carry broad public and political implications.
