Final SIT Report on Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Case

Executive Summary

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with investigating allegations of donation theft at the Ayodhya Ram Temple has submitted its final report, providing a definitive "clean chit" to former high-ranking officials of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The report exonerates former General Secretary Champat Rai and former Trust member Anil Mishra, both of whom resigned following the emergence of theft allegations in June 2026. While top officials have been cleared, the investigation led to the arrest and booking of eight other individuals under various criminal and anti-corruption laws. The Uttar Pradesh Home Department has formally transferred the SIT's findings to the Trust for further administrative action.

Investigation Overview and Structure

The state government constituted a three-member SIT on June 13, 2026, to probe alleged financial irregularities and theft regarding temple donations. This action was taken at the request of the Trust prior to any Supreme Court intervention.

The Special Investigation Team Composition

The panel was comprised of high-level officials to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach to the financial and criminal investigation:

• Head of SIT: Vijay Vishwas Pant (Lucknow Divisional Commissioner).
• Member: Kiran S (Range Inspector General).
• Member: Neel Ratan Kumar (Special Secretary, Finance).

Investigation Timeline

• June 13, 2026: SIT officially constituted.
• June 23, 2026: Submission of the preliminary report to the state government, including stringent recommendations.
• June 25, 2026: Registration of a First Information Report (FIR) based on the preliminary findings.
• June 27, 2026: Resignation of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra on moral grounds.
• August 17, 2026: Final report handed over by the UP Home Department to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Exoneration of Key Officials

The SIT's final report focuses significantly on the roles of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra. Both officials had been subjected to questioning by the SIT regarding the temple's donation management processes.

Champat Rai (Former General Secretary)

The SIT cleared Rai of all allegations related to the theft. Key points regarding his involvement include:

• Active Cooperation: During interrogation, Rai denied any involvement in the theft and asserted that he took immediate action upon discovering the wrongdoing.
• Whistleblower Status: Rai maintained that it was his specific complaint that initially led to the arrest of the primary suspects.
• Administrative Oversight: He stated his primary responsibility was to prevent irregularities in donation collection and claimed he acted as soon as he became aware of the issues.

Anil Mishra (Former Trust Member)

Mishra, who resigned alongside Rai, has also been cleared of any wrongdoing by the SIT. The investigation found no evidence to implicate him in the theft of donated funds.

Criminal Findings and Legal Proceedings

While the top leadership was exonerated, the investigation identified significant criminal activity involving several other individuals. These findings formed the basis for an FIR filed by Trust member Krishnamohan at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi police station.

Accused Individuals

Eight people were specifically named in the FIR and subsequently arrested:

1. Avinash Shukla
2. Anukalp Mishra
3. Lavkush Mishra
4. Manish Kumar Yadav
5. Karunesh Pandey
6. Ramashankar Mishra
7. Subhash Srivastava
8. Ram Shankar Yadav (alias Tinnu)

The FIR also includes other unidentified individuals as accused parties.

Legal Charges

The suspects have been booked under:

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Relevant sections for theft and criminal conduct.
• Prevention of Corruption Act: Section 13(1)(a).

Current Status and Administrative Action

With the submission of the final report to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the formal investigation by the state-appointed SIT is concluded. The Trust is now in possession of the findings to determine any further internal actions or reforms to donation management.

Key Entity	Role/Status
Champat Rai	Exonerated; Resigned June 27
Anil Mishra	Exonerated; Resigned June 27
SIT	Led by Vijay Vishwas Pant; Provided clean chit
UP Home Dept	Delivered final report to Trust on Aug 17
Named Accused	8 individuals arrested and booked under BNS and Corruption Act

The preliminary report submitted earlier in the investigation remains the foundational document for the ongoing prosecution of the eight arrested individuals.