Ram Temple Trust resumes donation counting with new supervision amid ongoing probe

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has resumed the counting of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya after completing a week-long trial run of a revised system. The move comes as investigations continue into alleged irregularities related to temple donations, a matter that has attracted significant public attention in recent weeks.

To ensure greater transparency and accountability, the Trust has introduced a new counting structure, appointed fresh officials to oversee the process and strengthened security arrangements around the donation-counting operation. The counting work is now being conducted under the supervision of the State Bank of India (SBI), with dedicated teams working in two shifts every day.

The decision to restart the counting process is seen as an important step in maintaining the smooth functioning of the temple administration while authorities continue to investigate the allegations. Trust officials have emphasized that the revised system aims to improve monitoring and ensure that all offerings made by devotees are handled in a secure and transparent manner.

New system introduced for donation counting

The Trust has appointed Shobhnath Mishra as the new counting in-charge following the arrest of former counting supervisor Subhash Srivastava in connection with the ongoing investigation.

Under the revised arrangement, donation counting is now being carried out in two separate shifts each day. The first shift operates from 8 am to 2 pm, while the second shift runs from 2 pm to 8 pm. Each team consists of around 10 to 12 members who are responsible for counting and recording the offerings received from devotees.

Temple authorities say the new schedule was implemented after a week-long trial period during which procedures were reviewed and tested. The aim was to create a system that would allow for better supervision and reduce the chances of any irregularities.

To strengthen oversight, the Trust has also formed a four-member supervisory team. The committee includes experienced personnel who will monitor the counting process and ensure compliance with established procedures.

Captain K.K. Tiwari, the Trust’s security in-charge, has been appointed as the senior officer responsible for overseeing the daily counting operations. His role includes monitoring security arrangements, maintaining records and preparing daily reports related to the donation-counting process.

Other members of the supervisory team include former serviceman S.P. Dubey, Trust representative Sheshmani Tiwari and the newly appointed counting in-charge, Shobhnath Mishra.

Trust officials believe that involving multiple supervisors and maintaining detailed records will help improve transparency and strengthen public confidence in the system.

The State Bank of India is also playing a key role in overseeing the counting process. The bank's involvement is expected to provide additional safeguards and ensure that donations are recorded and processed according to established financial procedures.

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Investigation continues under court supervision

The resumption of donation counting comes while authorities continue to investigate allegations of financial irregularities involving temple donations.

According to officials, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttar Pradesh government is currently examining the matter. The investigation was launched after allegations emerged regarding possible misuse or theft of funds received through donations made by devotees visiting the temple.

The SIT has been tasked with examining financial records, reviewing procedures and identifying any lapses that may have occurred in the management of donations.

Sources indicate that the investigation has reached an important stage, with the SIT preparing to submit an interim report before the Supreme Court. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant is scheduled to hear the matter as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.

The Supreme Court has directed that the SIT submit its findings directly to the court. Officials say the report is expected to provide details about the progress of the investigation and outline any recommendations for improving the temple’s financial management system.

While the report may influence future administrative decisions, authorities have clarified that the investigation is still underway and no final conclusions have been reached at this stage.

The SIT was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government shortly after the allegations surfaced. The team is headed by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant and includes senior officials such as Inspector General Kiran S. and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan.

Investigators have reportedly reviewed various aspects of the donation-handling process, including collection methods, counting procedures and record-keeping systems. The inquiry has already led to several arrests and has uncovered information that investigators are examining further.

Officials stress that the purpose of the investigation is to establish facts and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred. The findings of the SIT will play an important role in shaping any future action that may be taken.

The Ram Temple is one of the most visited religious sites in India and receives donations from devotees across the country and around the world. Because of the large volume of offerings, maintaining a transparent and secure system for handling donations is considered essential.

Temple authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that every donation made by devotees is managed responsibly. They have also assured visitors that regular temple activities and religious services continue without interruption.

The resumption of donation counting under a revised system reflects the Trust’s effort to maintain normal operations while strengthening oversight mechanisms. At the same time, the ongoing investigation is expected to provide greater clarity regarding the allegations and help identify any improvements needed in the administration of temple funds.

For now, the focus remains on ensuring transparency, accountability and the smooth management of donations, while the SIT completes its inquiry and presents its findings before the Supreme Court. The outcome of the investigation could lead to important reforms in the way donations are counted, monitored and managed at one of the country's most significant religious institutions.