IndiaPosted at: Sep 26 2026 1:31PM


Ayodhya donation theft case: Jairam Ramesh questions SIT probe, seeks accountability of Temple Trust functionaries

New Delhi, Sep 26 (UNI) Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh has questioned the findings and scope of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of devotees’ offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, arguing that the chargesheet raises serious questions about the investigation and accountability of those responsible for supervising the temple’s donation-counting system.
In a post on social media platform X on Saturday, Ramesh said, “Chanda chori, aastha dhokha” (donation theft, betrayal of faith), and reiterated the Congress’ earlier reservations about whether a government-appointed SIT would command public confidence. His remarks came after the SIT filed a chargesheet against eight accused in the case. According to the findings placed before the Supreme Court, the investigation identified 105 instances of alleged unauthorised removal of cash during the temple’s donation-counting process.
Ramesh focused particularly on the alleged delay between the discovery of the cash and the registration of the FIR. Referring to details cited from the chargesheet, he said a video showing Rs 2.25 lakh allegedly found in a bathroom was sent to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust functionary Champat Rai on June 4, while CCTV footage was also shown to him on June 5. The FIR, however, was registered only on June 25.
“When CCTV, recovery and identification of the suspected employees had already come to light, why was there such a delay in initiating criminal action?” Ramesh asked. “In these 21 days, whom was there an opportunity to protect and what was there an opportunity to hide?”
The Congress leader also questioned why senior Trust functionaries are being treated as witnesses rather than accused. He said the chargesheet records 105 incidents of alleged removal of donation money captured on CCTV, with one accused allegedly seen removing money on 85 occasions and repeated involvement of other accused also recorded.
“According to the chargesheet, 105 incidents of removal of donation money were captured on CCTV. One accused is seen removing money on 85 occasions, while the repeated involvement of other accused is also visible,” Ramesh said.
He further alleged that the SIT was aware that Champat Rai had denied that donation theft had taken place even after the alleged incidents had come to light. “Then why were Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao not made accused? Why are they witnesses?” he asked.
Rai and Mishra have been listed as prosecution witnesses in the chargesheet. The investigation, according to reports on the chargesheet, examined CCTV footage, witness statements, financial records, mobile-phone data and other documentary and electronic evidence. The SIT has also reported substantial cash recoveries from the accused and alleged unauthorised removal of currency during the counting process.
Ramesh questioned whether the investigation had examined the entire chain of responsibility or remained confined to the eight accused. “Can the complete truth about the theft of donations emerge without investigating the role of those responsible for supervision and management of the system?” he asked.
He also questioned the scope of the investigation in view of the volume of evidence examined by the SIT. “When 70 to 105 incidents came to light, thousands of digital messages were examined, and bank accounts and properties were investigated, why was the investigation limited to only eight accused?” Ramesh said.
“Did the SIT fix accountability across the entire system, or was the matter confined only to the smaller players?” he asked.
Ramesh also alleged that the donation-theft case could have links with the “top leadership of the BJP-RSS”, though he did not provide evidence for the claim. He directly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “Prime Minister ji, break your silence, otherwise it means that the thieves have your protection.”
The case relates to allegations of unauthorised removal and misappropriation of offerings made by devotees at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The FIR was registered at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station on June 25 against eight named persons following a preliminary SIT inquiry. The subsequent investigation examined CCTV footage, financial records, mobile data, searches, recoveries and forensic evidence.
Ramesh said the matter involved the faith of devotees and should not be considered closed until responsibility was established across the system. He demanded an “impartial and transparent investigation” under the supervision of the Supreme Court. UNI SKA AAB
Tags: #Ayodhya donation theft case: Jairam Ramesh questions SIT probe# seeks accountability of Temple Trust functionaries
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