Ayodhya, July 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Uttar Pradesh government has reconstituted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, following directions from the Supreme Court.
The newly formed SIT will be headed by Inspector General of Police Kiran S and will include Ayodhya DIG Somen Verma and Ayodhya SSP Dr Gaurav Grover as members.
The move follows the Supreme Court’s order directing the state government to constitute a fresh SIT under the leadership of a senior IPS officer and submit a status report on the investigation by July 27.
The probe relates to allegations of embezzlement of funds received as donations and offerings at the temple. Ayodhya Police have so far arrested eight accused in connection with the case. Investigators have reportedly recovered cash, vehicles, investment documents and other assets allegedly acquired using the misappropriated funds.
Meanwhile, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the temple affairs, held a special meeting on July 22 and took several administrative decisions. The Trust deferred the appointment of its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) by around a month but appointed a spokesperson to streamline communication.
The Trust also finalised the appointment of a full-time General Secretary and decided to reconstitute its religious committee to oversee the preservation of traditional practices and rituals at the temple complex.
The nine-member religious committee includes senior religious figures such as Jagadguru Shankaracharya Jyotishpeethadhipati Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, Madhvapithadhipati Swami Vishwaprasannatirtha Ji Maharaj and representatives from various religious institutions.
Amid the controversy over alleged financial irregularities, the Trust also released fresh photographs of the Ram Mandir, highlighting the continued arrival of devotees at the shrine. The Trust said the steady flow of pilgrims reflects the continued faith of devotees despite recent developments concerning temple administration.
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