Ram Temple (TNN) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of embezzlement of funds at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has instructed trust and temple functionaries not to leave the city as the investigation enters a crucial phase.The directive was issued before the three-member SIT departed for Lucknow on Sunday, PTI reported.The Uttar Pradesh government constituted the SIT on June 13.The three-member panel comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan.Discrepancies found in donations recordsSources associated with the investigation claimed that one of the SIT’s key findings relates to the documentation and accounting of offerings made by devotees, including gold and silver jewellery, diamonds, and other precious stones.During questioning, several trust office-bearers were allegedly unable to provide satisfactory explanations.Maha Kumbh period under scannerThe SIT is also examining transactions and donation records from the Maha Kumbh Mela period in January and February 2025, when the temple witnessed an unprecedented surge in footfall.Sources claimed that nearly 10 lakh devotees visited the temple daily during the two-month period, with donation boxes reportedly filling up with cash within hours.Investigators are also scrutinising land purchases made by the temple trust in different phases, along with the procurement of construction materials used for the temple project.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Abhishek Banerjee’s Close Aide, Sumit Roy, Booked in Fraud and Forgery CaseRebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar Joins Shinde Sena, Cites Hurt Over Party Remarks7 Workers Die, Over 40 Hospitalised After Ammonia Gas Leak At Seafood Processing Unit In Tamil NaduAjmer NEET Re-Exam: Muslim Student Wearing Hijab Alleges She Was Denied Entry At Exam Centre’Samajwadi Party, Congress Using Ram for 2027 UP Elections’: VHP Chief on Ram Mandir Donation RowConstruction Begins on ₹2,935 Crore Indore-Ujjain Greenfield Corridor After Farmer ProtestsJantar Mantar Protest: CJP Alleges Water, Power Cut, Demands Dharmendra Pradhan’s Exit22.8 Lakh Students Appear Nationwide For NEET UG 2026 Re-TestThree Indian Oil Supertankers Cross Strait of Hormuz Hours Before Iran Announces Fresh ClosureBJP Defends Shashi Tharoor, Targets Congress Over Pawan Khera’s Remarks123PhotostoriesTaking creatine? 5 things you should know first, NYC doctor explainsUttarakhand SOG officer dies after collapsing at gym; Doctor explains why even fit people can suffer sudden medical emergencies10 baby boy names inspired by stars and constellations5 bad hair habits that could be making your hair fall worse5 most extraordinary eco-friendly buildings redefining sustainable architecturePersonality test: The bowl you choose reveals if you’re strategic, practical or intuitive9 Michelin-starred restaurants in places you would never expectWimbledon 2026 outfit ideas: How to nail the quiet luxury aesthetic5 places where independent travel is strictly restricted or prohibitedSkin care tips from Kareena Kapoor Khan: From hydrating to not using too many products123Hot PicksPetrol, diesel rateMilk price hikeIndia-US trade dealJIO IPODelih weatherGwalior-Prayagraj ExpressWeather forecast tomorrowIndane gas KYCKeir Starmer resignationTop TrendingNEET re examUS-Iran WarYoga Day 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Abhijeet DipkeTamil Nadu Ammonia Gas LeakNEET UG ExamUP Police Constable answer keyBengaluru blue line metroCJP protest
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of embezzlement of funds at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has instructed trust and temple functionaries not to leave the city as the investigation enters a crucial phase.The directive was issued before the three-member SIT departed for Lucknow on Sunday, PTI reported.The Uttar Pradesh government constituted the SIT on June 13.The three-member panel comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan.Discrepancies found in donations recordsSources associated with the investigation claimed that one of the SIT’s key findings relates to the documentation and accounting of offerings made by devotees, including gold and silver jewellery, diamonds, and other precious stones.During questioning, several trust office-bearers were allegedly unable to provide satisfactory explanations.Maha Kumbh period under scannerThe SIT is also examining transactions and donation records from the Maha Kumbh Mela period in January and February 2025, when the temple witnessed an unprecedented surge in footfall.Sources claimed that nearly 10 lakh devotees visited the temple daily during the two-month period, with donation boxes reportedly filling up with cash within hours.Investigators are also scrutinising land purchases made by the temple trust in different phases, along with the procurement of construction materials used for the temple project.