Ayodhya, June 21, 2026: Allegations surrounding the handling of donations and valuables at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir have intensified, with Andhra Pradesh Congress vice-president Kolanukonda Shivaji demanding a judicial inquiry under the supervision of a sitting judge, arguing that the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe may not be sufficient to uncover the complete truth.
The controversy comes amid reports of alleged irregularities involving donations, ornaments, gold reserves and other valuables offered to Ram Lalla, prompting political reactions and heightened scrutiny of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Congress Leader Calls for Judge-Monitored Investigation
Speaking on the issue, Shivaji said reports published in recent weeks regarding alleged mismanagement of temple donations had raised concerns among devotees across the country.
He referred to statements reportedly made by Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra and allegations raised by Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who had sought an investigation into the matter.
According to Shivaji, allegations involving missing diamond necklaces, gold ornaments, gold bricks and other valuables worth hundreds of crores require an independent judicial probe rather than a limited administrative investigation.
He also suggested that the Ayodhya temple should adopt an asset monitoring and protection framework similar to that followed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to ensure transparency in handling donations and precious offerings.
SIT Expands Scope Beyond Donation Allegations
The three-member SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13 has widened its investigation beyond alleged donation irregularities.
According to reports, investigators are examining:
- Alleged embezzlement of donation funds
- Records related to gold and silver offerings
- Land purchases made by the temple trust
- Procurement of construction materials
- Documentation of high-value assets received during and after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony
Sources indicate that trust officials and temple functionaries have been advised not to leave Ayodhya while the investigation remains underway.
Missing 60 Kg Silver Donation Under Scanner
A significant development in the probe relates to 60 kilograms of silver bars reportedly donated by a national jewellers' association during the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony.
Investigators are attempting to establish:
- Whether the silver was officially recorded in temple inventories
- Where the silver is currently located
- Whether proper documentation exists regarding its storage or utilisation
The association that donated the silver has reportedly claimed possession of receipts confirming the handover of the bars to the temple trust.
Officials are also examining records linked to other valuables, including jewellery and ceremonial offerings that have come under scrutiny during the investigation.
CCTV Footage Challenges Investigation
Investigators are facing challenges due to limited CCTV data retention at the temple complex.
According to reports, surveillance footage is retained for only around 45 days, after which it is automatically deleted. Sources have indicated that forensic experts may attempt to recover older footage and examine potential signs of tampering or deletion.
The SIT is also reviewing testimonies from temple staff, priests and officials associated with donation management and asset handling.
Trust Yet to Confirm Allegations
While the investigation continues, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has maintained that internal audits are being conducted and that no conclusive evidence supporting the allegations has been established so far.
The findings of the SIT are expected to be submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government after completion of the inquiry.
