Trust Assures: Silver and Offerings at Ram Temple Are Secure

AYODHYA — The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the governing body of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, has moved to reassure devotees amid a mounting controversy over alleged financial irregularities. In an official statement issued on Saturday, June 27, 2026, Treasurer Govind Dev Giri asserted that all silver bricks, ornaments, and other valuables donated by individuals remain safe and under secure accounting.

The development follows the resignation of two senior officials—General Secretary Champat Rai and trust member Anil Mishra—amid a widening investigation into the misappropriation of cash and offerings. Local police recently arrested eight individuals, including a former driver of Rai, in connection with the alleged theft of donation funds. Authorities have reportedly recovered nearly ₹80 lakh in cash and various foreign currencies from the suspects.

Investigation Into Donation Management

The allegations of embezzlement, which have sparked demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and a forensic audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), center on the handling of cash and jewelry deposited in temple donation boxes.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13, is currently examining the internal protocols of the Trust. Concerns were initially raised by former accounting staff and local political figures regarding discrepancies between recorded vouchers and actual collections. While investigators are scrutinizing CCTV footage and bank records, the Trust maintains that its inventory—specifically the donated silver—has been handled according to standard protocols.

SIT Findings on Silver Assets

Addressing widespread public speculation regarding the "disappearance" of approximately 200 kilograms of silver, the SIT has reportedly dismissed claims of theft. According to SIT sources, temple records indicate that a significant portion of the donated silver bricks was sent for melting or transferred to the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India for use in official minting processes. The SIT concluded that these assets were not missing but rather processed for official use, with corresponding signatures and transfer documentation in place.

Why It Matters

For the millions of pilgrims who have contributed to the temple, the integrity of the donation process is paramount. The current row threatens to undermine public trust in the management of one of India’s most significant religious sites. As the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections approach, the handling of this controversy carries significant political weight, with opposition parties intensifying their calls for complete financial transparency and independent oversight of all temple assets.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Trust Response: Treasurer Govind Dev Giri confirmed all silver donations and ornaments are safe and documented.

• Official Action: Eight suspects, including a former staff member, have been arrested; nearly ₹80 lakh recovered.

• Leadership Change: General Secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra have tendered their resignations pending further inquiry.

• SIT Investigation: Government-appointed investigators have verified that silver bricks were processed for minting rather than stolen.

• Upcoming Meeting: The Trust will deliberate on the resignations of senior officials on July 11, 2026.

FAQ

Are the silver bricks donated to the Ram temple missing?

No. The SIT investigation has concluded that silver bricks and bars were accounted for and processed through official channels, including the Security Printing and Minting Corporation, rather than being stolen.

Why have senior Trust officials resigned?

General Secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra resigned in the wake of a donation embezzlement scandal involving staff members to ensure a transparent, fair inquiry.

What is the status of the investigation?

A government-constituted SIT is currently investigating allegations of financial irregularities, embezzlement, and potential procedural failures in managing temple donations.

Source: The Economic Times, Rediff.com, India Today