Key facts
- The Uttar Pradesh government has established a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of misappropriation of donation funds for the Ram temple.
- The trust itself requested the impartial inquiry to address misinformation and protect its image.
- Nripendra Mishra, chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, expressed support for the SIT's formation.
- The SIT members are Vijay Vishwas Pant, Kiran S, and Neel Ratan.
- A Samajwadi Party MP called for the removal of current trust members during the investigation.
The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of misappropriation of donation funds for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The trust requested the impartial inquiry to counter misinformation and protect its image.
Nripendra Mishra, chairperson of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, welcomed the government's decision, calling it a significant action. The SIT includes Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan.
However, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad expressed skepticism, demanding the removal of all current trust members during the probe to prevent interference. He suggested a committee headed by Supreme Court judges for a truly impartial investigation. Former BJP MP Vinay Katiyar also deemed the allegations of irregularities in the temple donation fund as very serious.
Mishra also provided updates on the temple complex's construction, noting a 4-km boundary wall and 25 watch towers are being built for security, with completion targeted for August 2026. Facade lighting is expected by August 15, and the script for the Ram Katha Sangrahalaya is prepared.