Ayodhya

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to examine allegations related to donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He appealed to devotees, political leaders and organisations to avoid making speculative statements until the inquiry is completed.

Speaking in Ayodhya, Adityanath said the investigation was initiated following a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. He expressed confidence that the SIT would establish the facts and distinguish truth from misinformation.

The Chief Minister urged anyone possessing documentary evidence connected to the allegations to present it before the investigation team. He also cautioned against comments that could hurt the sentiments of devotees or influence the ongoing probe.

The Uttar Pradesh government had constituted a three-member SIT on June 14 to look into the matter. The panel includes Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General Kiran S, and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan. The team has been directed to submit its findings at the earliest.

Adityanath stressed the importance of maintaining dignity and patience, recalling the long struggle associated with the Ram Temple movement. He said devotees had waited centuries for the temple and could wait a little longer for the inquiry to conclude.

Without naming any political party, the Chief Minister accused certain groups of attempting to tarnish the image of Ayodhya and the Ram Janmabhoomi temple through what he described as misinformation campaigns. He said such efforts should stop and that all parties should allow the SIT to complete its work impartially.

The Chief Minister also made it clear that strict action would be taken if wrongdoing is established, irrespective of the individuals involved.

The controversy arose after Samajwadi Party leader and former Ayodhya MLA Pawan Pandey alleged that donations worth around ₹7 crore to ₹7.5 crore were misappropriated. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav subsequently demanded an independent investigation and questioned the state government's silence on the issue.

Reacting to Adityanath's remarks, Yadav took a swipe at the Chief Minister, suggesting that a separate SIT should investigate his frequent visits to Ayodhya.

The allegations have also drawn political attention beyond the state, with Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut earlier holding both the BJP-led Central and Uttar Pradesh governments accountable for the alleged irregularities.

However, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has strongly denied the accusations. Trust member Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj recently stated that all donations are properly accounted for and processed through a transparent system. He dismissed claims of missing funds and maintained that the temple administration follows established financial procedures.

READ MORE: Tasir Ali is a proud father of five sons in uniform

The SIT is expected to examine the allegations and submit its report in the coming weeks.