Ayodhya: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged financial irregularities linked to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has widened its investigation to examine more than ₹124 crore spent on major temple-related events over the past two years. The expanded probe places several high-profile events—including the historic Ram Temple consecration ceremony in January 2024—under scrutiny as investigators seek to determine whether public donations were utilized in accordance with prescribed procedures.

The development marks a significant expansion of an investigation that initially focused on allegations surrounding the handling of donations received by the trust. Officials are now auditing expenditure incurred on some of the temple's biggest public events, a move that has drawn nationwide attention given the religious, cultural and political significance of the Ayodhya Ram Temple.

Probe widens beyond donation theft allegations

According to reports, the SIT is examining expenses exceeding ₹124 crore incurred on multiple large-scale events organized by the trust over the last two years. Among these are the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony held on January 22, 2024, preparations associated with Maha Kumbh 2025, and the flag-hoisting ceremony conducted in November 2025.

Investigators are scrutinizing financial records, approvals, invoices and expenditure documents to verify whether the spending adhered to financial norms and whether donation funds collected from devotees were deployed appropriately.

At this stage, the investigation is described as an audit of expenditure rather than a finding of wrongdoing. Authorities are examining whether established financial procedures were followed and whether adequate documentation exists to justify the expenses.

Consecration ceremony in focus

The Ram Temple consecration ceremony remains one of the most closely watched aspects of the investigation.

Held on January 22, 2024, the event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, prominent religious leaders, political figures, industrialists and celebrities. The ceremony marked the formal installation of the idol of Ram Lalla inside the temple's sanctum sanctorum and attracted unprecedented national and international attention.

Given the scale of the celebrations, security arrangements, hospitality, infrastructure development and logistical preparations, investigators are reviewing the financial records associated with the event as part of the broader expenditure audit.

Officials have not indicated that the ceremony itself is under investigation for any specific irregularity. Rather, the expenses incurred during the event are being assessed alongside other major expenditures undertaken by the trust.

Link to the ongoing SIT investigation

The scrutiny of event expenditure comes against the backdrop of a wider investigation into alleged irregularities involving temple donations.

The SIT was constituted following allegations that cash donations made by devotees may have been misappropriated. During the course of the investigation, the team reportedly examined CCTV footage, financial records and donation handling procedures, leading investigators to expand the scope of the probe.

Investigators are attempting to establish whether systemic weaknesses in financial oversight extended beyond donation collection and affected expenditure management as well.

The expansion reflects the investigators' effort to examine the complete financial trail—from the receipt of donations to their utilization.

Financial transparency under spotlight

The widening investigation has renewed public debate over transparency in managing donations received for one of India's most significant religious projects.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has received contributions from millions of devotees across India and abroad since its formation in 2020 to oversee the construction and administration of the Ram Temple.

Amid heightened scrutiny, the trust recently disclosed that it has received approximately ₹3,264 crore in donations since its inception. It also stated that around ₹2,370 crore has been spent on temple construction and related religious activities, underscoring that expenditures have been directed toward the development of the temple project.

The disclosure was viewed as an attempt to provide greater clarity regarding the utilisation of public contributions even as the SIT continues its inquiry.

Administrative changes amid scrutiny

The ongoing investigation has coincided with significant developments within the trust's administration.

Recent meetings of the trust have reportedly addressed leadership changes, including the acceptance of resignations of senior office-bearers and discussions on strengthening the institution's governance structure. Reports suggest that the trust is also considering appointing a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to improve administrative oversight and streamline operations.

While these decisions have come amid increased public scrutiny, the trust has not officially linked the administrative changes directly to the SIT investigation.

No conclusions yet

Importantly, the SIT has not announced any final findings regarding the ₹124 crore expenditure.

The ongoing exercise remains an investigation aimed at verifying documentation, expenditure approvals and compliance with financial procedures. Auditing financial records does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing.

Officials are expected to continue examining vouchers, contracts, bills and supporting documents before reaching any conclusions regarding whether financial norms were violated or whether any misuse of funds occurred.

The Uttar Pradesh government has also granted additional time to the SIT to complete its investigation, allowing officers to continue reviewing evidence and preparing their findings.

Why the investigation matters

The Ayodhya Ram Temple is among the country's most prominent religious and cultural landmarks. Consequently, any questions regarding the management of donations and expenditure inevitably attract widespread public attention.

For devotees who have contributed financially to the temple project, transparency in the utilisation of funds remains a key expectation. The investigation is therefore being closely watched not only for its legal implications but also for what it could mean for governance standards at major religious institutions.

Financial experts note that large charitable and religious organisations handling substantial public donations are expected to maintain detailed accounting systems, independent audits and strong internal controls. The ongoing SIT inquiry is likely to assess whether such safeguards were consistently followed in relation to both donation management and expenditure.

Investigation continues

For now, the SIT's examination of the trust's ₹124-crore event expenditure represents another phase in a broader financial probe rather than a determination of guilt.

As investigators continue reviewing records connected to the Ram Temple consecration ceremony, Maha Kumbh-related arrangements and other major events, the findings are expected to shape the next course of the investigation.

Until the SIT submits its final report, the expenditure remains under scrutiny, with authorities stressing the need to establish whether every rupee spent from public donations complied with applicable financial procedures and governance norms.

With inputs from agencies

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