Ram Mandir donation row: How SP leader’s claim triggered a political storm and investigation

Two years after the consecration of the Ram Temple emerged as a major ideological and political milestone for the Bharatiya Janata Party, allegations of irregularities in temple donations have turned into a major controversy.

The issue came to light on June 7 when Samajwadi Party leader Pawan Pandey alleged that donations worth ₹5 crore to ₹7.5 crore had been misappropriated from temple offerings. The temple trust rejected the claims the same day, with trust general secretary Champat Rai saying every rupee donated by devotees was properly recorded, accounted for and audited.

Later that day, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded an independent inquiry, saying transparency was essential in matters involving public faith. Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai and Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also sought accountability, arguing that the issue went beyond political differences. On June 25, Singh appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit evidence.

On June 12, Ayodhya BJP leader Rajneesh Singh sought a CBI probe and wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister’s Office later sought a factual report from the temple trust through an official letter dated June 23.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad also entered the debate, with its international working president Alok Kumar saying an FIR should be registered if evidence of wrongdoing was found and later calling for a wider investigation.

The matter escalated on June 19 when Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath intervened, stating that “no guilty person will be spared.” Earlier, on June 13, he had ordered the formation of a three-member SIT comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, IG Kiran S and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan.

Between June 15 and 20, investigators questioned temple trust officials, administrators, outsourced workers, security personnel, cash-counting staff and State Bank of India officials involved in handling donations.

The probe examined recruitment procedures, CCTV systems, movement of valuables and accounting records related to cash, gold and silver offerings.

According to people familiar with the investigation, nearly 150 individuals were identified for scrutiny, with around two dozen facing detailed examination. The SIT also examined recoveries of cash and precious metals during the probe. Investigators noted in the FIR that CCTV footage was available for around 45 days.

On June 23, the SIT submitted its preliminary report, recommending registration of a criminal case and suggesting reforms in the management of temple donations. On June 25, temple trust member Krishna Mohan filed a police complaint, after which an FIR was registered and eight people were arrested.

The latest controversy comes after a separate political dispute in 2021 over land transactions linked to the temple project, which largely remained limited to allegations and denials.

However, the current case has taken a different course, with an investigation initiated by the BJP-led state government, a formal FIR registered, arrests made and the probe continuing to expand.