Ram Temple Trust Audit Shows Money Irregularities

Over 67 lakh rupees in cash has been recovered from individuals connected to counting donations for the Ram Temple. This is part of a wider financial investigation.
By Newsroom | Finance, Uttar Pradesh |

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is set to conduct a comprehensive five-year re-audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s financial records. This decision follows preliminary findings that identified large-scale irregularities regarding temple donations and construction expenditures.

SIT likely to re-audit Ram Temple Trust accounts for last five years - 1

Core financial scrutiny will include:

  • Construction-related expenses.

  • Donations of gold, silver, and other jewellery.

  • General cash flow and management accounts from the last half-decade.

The investigation into the alleged embezzlement has resulted in the recovery of significant cash amounts from individuals associated with donation-counting processes. Authorities report the following sums recovered from those currently under investigation:

SIT likely to re-audit Ram Temple Trust accounts for last five years - 2
IndividualRecovery Amount (INR)
Avinash Shukla20.39 lakh
Karunesh Pandey18.07 lakh
Anukalp Mishra16.82 lakh
Lavkush Mishra14.25 lakh
Ramashankar Mishra7.32 lakh
Ramashankar Yadav1 lakh

Avinash Shukla remains in police custody, while the SIT continues to question senior trust officials. Both General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra have tendered their resignations. The Trust is expected to address these vacancies during a scheduled meeting on July 6.

SIT likely to re-audit Ram Temple Trust accounts for last five years - 3

Institutional Context and Public Stance

The SIT was initially constituted by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on May 14, following an internal request from the Trust itself. As the investigation deepens, calls for increased oversight have emerged; political figures, including K.C. Venugopal, have formally requested a probe monitored by the Supreme Court.

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SIT likely to re-audit Ram Temple Trust accounts for last five years - 4

"No one can be accused without evidence," stated a representative, while Minister Sanjay Nishad has publicly urged the public to maintain faith in the ongoing investigative process.

The SIT’s preliminary report, submitted late last month, reportedly advocated for the reconstitution of the trust and the appointment of a dedicated Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to manage temple affairs, signaling a potential shift in the administrative structure of the site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Ram Temple Trust's money being audited for the last five years?
A Special Investigation Team is doing a full audit because of problems found with temple donations and building costs.
Q: How much money was recovered and from whom?
Over 67 lakh rupees in cash was recovered from people helping count donations. Avinash Shukla had 20.39 lakh rupees recovered.
Q: What is happening with the trust officials?
Avinash Shukla is in police custody. General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra have resigned.
Q: What changes might happen at the Ram Temple Trust?
The investigation team suggested a new trust structure and hiring a Chief Executive Officer to manage the temple's affairs.