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Ram Temple donation ‘theft’: SIT records statements of over 70 witnesses, connecting the dots

Anthony Hernandez - bharatmorningnews.com जुलाई 22, 2026

Foto : Anthony Hernandez - bharatmorningnews.com

ss Statements Bharatmorningnews.com – The investigation into the Ram Temple donation theft has reached a critical juncture as the Special Investigation

Ram Temple Donation Theft: SIT Records 70+ Witness Statements

Bharatmorningnews.com – The investigation into the Ram Temple donation theft has reached a critical juncture as the Special Investigation Team completes its comprehensive fieldwork. The three-member panel has successfully documented testimonies from over seventy individuals directly connected to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple’s donation operations in Ayodhya. This extensive collection of witness accounts forms the foundation for understanding the alleged misappropriation of offerings made by devotees. The committee is now engaged in meticulous cross-referencing and evaluation of all gathered information before presenting its final conclusions to the Uttar Pradesh administration.

Investigation Leadership and Methodology

Under the guidance of Lucknow divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, the inquiry panel has maintained a systematic approach to examining the Ram Temple donation theft allegations. The team includes Kiran S, serving as IG for the Lucknow Range, alongside finance secretary Neel Ratan. Throughout their investigation, the members thoroughly examined documentation covering how devotees’ contributions were collected, transported, stored, and tallied. They also reviewed the administrative frameworks overseeing these procedures to identify potential vulnerabilities.

The individuals interviewed span various categories, including senior trust officials, staff handling donation collection and counting, security guards, and contracted workers. According to sources, the committee is working to reconcile inconsistencies found across different testimonies. This careful reconciliation process ensures that the final report accurately reflects the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.

Evidence Analysis and Timeline Reconstruction

With evidence collection largely complete, attention has shifted toward detailed analysis of the Ram Temple donation theft case. A senior official explained that the panel is now correlating documents with witness accounts and piecing together the timeline of events. This approach ensures every conclusion in the final report rests on solid material.

“The extension granted by the UP government allows us to focus on thorough examination rather than seeking new evidence,” stated a source familiar with the investigation.

The UP government recently granted an extension until July 30 for the SIT’s work. However, this additional period serves a different purpose. Rather than seeking new evidence, the team will focus on thoroughly examining what they have already gathered. The goal is to produce a clear, well-supported narrative explaining how the alleged diversion occurred and identifying where administrative responsibility falls.

Accountability Mapping and Institutional Reforms

Officials indicate that the current evidence evaluation will uncover both individual shortcomings and the chain of administrative breakdowns that supposedly allowed repeated cash losses. The panel is charting responsibilities across every phase of donation handling—from initial receipt through counting, storage, oversight, and auditing—to pinpoint where existing safeguards proved inadequate.

At the same time, the committee is reviewing legal consequences stemming from proceedings before the Supreme Court. This ensures their recommendations align with judicial observations and can endure legal examination. The SIT is anticipated to propose extensive institutional changes that may include tighter internal controls, stricter adherence to standard operating procedures, improved monitoring systems, better record-keeping, stronger audit functions, enhanced access management, and clearer accountability for supervisory personnel overseeing the donation framework.

Comprehensive Reporting and Future Implications

The concluding document will do more than list the alleged irregularities. It aims to build a complete evidentiary chain connecting documentary records, witness accounts, and administrative decisions. The government expects this report to supply a reliable factual basis for determining administrative accountability and implementing systemic improvements.

Meanwhile, the criminal investigation into the suspected theft will continue independently through a separate police inquiry headed by senior IPS officers. This parallel investigation ensures that both administrative and criminal aspects of the Ram Temple donation theft case receive thorough attention. The combined efforts of these investigations will ultimately determine the full scope of responsibility and implement necessary reforms to prevent future occurrences.