The Special Investigation Team has identified around 150 suspects in the alleged donation theft case, with nearly 25 individuals likely to face action.

The Special Investigation Team probing the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is expected to submit its findings to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, with sources indicating that top temple trust officials could face removal.

The SIT, which completed its sixth day of investigation on Saturday, has questioned around 150 suspects in connection with the case. Nearly 25 individuals may face action based on the evidence gathered so far, according to sources familiar with the probe.

SIT Wraps Probe, Heads to Lucknow

The three-member panel, comprising Lucknow Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, IG Range Kiran S., and Finance Department Special Secretary Neelratan, is expected to return to Lucknow on Saturday evening after a week-long investigation in Ayodhya.

Sources said the team spent nearly six hours inside the temple complex on Friday, questioning Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, trustee Dr Anil Mishra, and construction in-charge Gopal Rao separately. Investigators also interrogated State Bank of India officials, including the branch manager and cashier.

Action on the Cards

According to sources, action against Champat Rai and Dr Anil Mishra is being actively considered. Both could be removed from their positions on the trust. Gopal Rao may also face similar action.

Investigators also attempted to question Anand, Gopal Rao's nephew, and temple employee Somesh Anand, but both were reportedly unavailable, with their phones switched off.

Recovery So Far

The SIT has recovered approximately ₹2 crore based on information provided by five accused — Lavkush, Avneesh, Anukalp, Karune and Ramshankar alias Tinnu. All five were associated with counting donations collected at the temple.

Gold was recovered from Tinnu's residence on June 13, though officials have not yet disclosed the quantity or value of the recovered items.

How the Controversy Unfolded

The issue first came to light on June 7 when former Uttar Pradesh minister Pawan Pandey alleged that between ₹5 crore and ₹7.5 crore had been stolen from the Ram Mandir. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also questioned the government's silence, calling for judicial scrutiny.

Trust General Secretary Champat Rai initially rejected the allegations, stating that no evidence of theft had surfaced. As the controversy escalated, BJP leader Dr Rajneesh Singh wrote to the Prime Minister on June 9 seeking a CBI investigation. A day later, the Prime Minister's Office sought a report from the trust.

Mahakumbh Donations Under Scrutiny

The SIT has widened its probe to examine donation records from the Prayagraj Mahakumbh period, when more than five crore devotees visited the Ram Mandir over 66 days. Investigators are questioning how donations collected through temple donation boxes remained below ₹100 crore despite the massive footfall.

The probe has expanded to Somesh Anand, a relative of Gopal Rao and head of the temple's wheelchair service. Investigators are examining his role in temple operations.

On June 18, the SIT questioned temple employees Mayank, Shivam Pandey, Ashish Dubey and Ratnesh. Ashish Agnihotri, who assisted in managing gold, silver and other valuables offered to Ram Lalla, has also been questioned. Employee Phoolkant Mishra, involved in the custody of donated jewellery, has come under scrutiny.

Claim of Missing Consecrated Stones

Fresh questions have emerged with Dharm Sena founder Santosh Dubey alleging that 1,250 consecrated Shri Ram stones made of gold, silver, diamonds, gemstones and ashtadhatu have gone missing. According to Dubey, the stones were brought to Ayodhya in 1989 after being worshipped across India and abroad, remaining at Karsevakpuram until 2002.

While the consecrated clay stones are still preserved, the metal stones are no longer visible, Dubey claimed, questioning the responsibility of Champat Rai for their upkeep.

Public Reactions

VHP leader Surendra Jain said allegations against the temple trust are not new and none have been proven so far. "At first, we felt these were routine political allegations, but when they started coming from other sources, we treated them with utmost seriousness," he said.

Hanumangarhi chief priest Mahant Sanjay Das stated that the SIT investigation would expose the truth. "The truth will come out, and whoever is found responsible will face the strictest action, no matter how influential they may be," he said.

Political Responses

Union Minister B.L. Verma backed the SIT probe, accusing critics of politicising the issue. "Some people are trying to politicise this. Those raising questions are the same people who opposed the Ram Mandir movement in the past," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya urged political leaders to avoid premature conclusions. "Making allegations is one thing; proving them is another. If any wrongdoing has taken place, those responsible will certainly be punished," he said.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav renewed his demand for a detailed accounting of valuables offered at the temple, saying the public now wants "gold separated from gold and silver from silver."

CEO Appointment on the Cards

Sources said the Uttar Pradesh government is considering appointing a Chief Executive Officer for the Ram Mandir, modelled on the administrative structure at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. A senior IAS officer could oversee the trust's administrative and financial affairs, strengthening transparency and accountability. Discussions are underway between the government and the trust, though no final decision has been taken.

Ex-MLA Kunjam Claims Naxal Gold From Switzerland

Former tribal leader Manish Kunjam alleges the gold recovered from surrendered Naxalites in Chhattisgarh came from Swiss banks, not local funds, and questions the real aim behind their long-standing “jal-jungle-jameen” campaign.

Kunjam Speaks at Dantewada  

Former MLA from Konta in Sukma district and prominent tribal leader Manish Kunjam has made a sensational claim about the source of gold recovered from Naxalites. Addressing the media at the Dantewada Circuit House, Kunjam said the gold found with the extremists originated from Switzerland. He demanded that the state government launch a thorough probe into the foreign link.

Gold Haul From Recent Surrenders  

On March 31, the deadline set for ending Naxalism in Chhattisgarh, 25 Naxalites surrendered in Bijapur district. Police recovered more than seven kilograms of gold from them, valued at over ₹11 crore. Earlier, another 1.5 kg of gold was seized from Naxalites who surrendered in Jagdalpur. The recoveries have been described as one of the biggest hauls in recent anti-Naxal operations.

Naxal Gold From Switzerland  

Kunjam asserted that while local people may have provided some funds to the Naxalites, the gold itself reached them through foreign banks. “The gold recovered from Naxalites came from Switzerland. The money they got was from our own people, but the gold came from banks abroad,” he said. He urged authorities to trace the international trail without delay.

Real Motive Behind ‘Jal-Jungle-Jameen’  

The former MLA challenged the Naxalites’ decades-old slogan of protecting water, forests and land. According to him, saving hills, rivers and jungles was never their goal. “They talked about the fight for jal-jungle-jameen for years, but their real target was to hoist the red flag at the Red Fort,” Kunjam stated. He accused them of using the tribal cause only as a cover for larger political ambitions.

Mining Extortion Alleged  

Kunjam raised serious questions about mining activities in the region. He recalled how villagers in several districts had launched prolonged protests against mining in areas like Amdai and Raoghat. Despite the resistance, the mines became operational. He alleged that Naxalites started allowing mining only after receiving payments. “Rates were later hiked and extortion began,” he claimed.

Agents Delivered Crores  

The tribal leader said his team possesses evidence of large cash transfers. “Agents used to deliver crores of rupees to the Naxalites. Mining work began the moment the money reached them,” Kunjam revealed. He added that if payments were delayed, the Naxalites would trigger some incident to pressure the payers. He promised to make the evidence public at the appropriate time.

Impact on Anti-Naxal Campaign  

The claims come at a time when the Chhattisgarh government has intensified its drive against left-wing extremism. The March 31 surrenders and the massive recovery of gold and cash worth nearly ₹14 crore have boosted morale in security circles. Kunjam’s statement has added a new dimension to the ongoing operations, shifting focus towards possible foreign funding networks.

What Lies Ahead  

Security forces and the state administration are expected to examine Kunjam’s allegations closely. If verified, the Switzerland link could expose deeper international connections in the Naxal network. Tribal leaders and local communities are watching the government’s response, as the issue touches both development concerns and internal security. The coming days may see further statements from officials and possibly fresh investigations into the funding trail of Naxalites in Bastar.