A high-stakes clean-up is unfolding at the Ayodhya Ram Temple after alleged theft of donations, with the probe panel likely to push AI-based monitoring to track offerings and counting in real time. The Special Investigation Team is preparing its final report for the Uttar Pradesh government by July 15.
The move matters because it targets the weakest links: handling of offerings, counting-room practices, and oversight. According to sources, the recommendation aims to make every handoff auditable and the counting process more transparent.
AI oversight in focus
Sources say an AI-enabled surveillance layer is set to feature prominently in the recommendations. The focus is on end-to-end visibility of donations and automated flags during cash handling and tallying.
The SIT was set up on June 13, began its work on June 15, and submitted a preliminary report on June 23. The state extended the panel’s tenure by 15 days on July 1, directing it to file the final report by July 15.
Led by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, the team is expected to revisit Ayodhya to examine more records and question trust functionaries and others linked to donation management.
Probe widens beyond temple complex
Investigators have expanded the financial inquiry, seeking details on the accused persons’ income, bank accounts, investments, and assets from the Income Tax Department, banks, tehsil offices and sub-registrar offices.
Police are also verifying whether assets exist outside Ayodhya and whether investments were parked in the names of relatives or associates of the accused.
Arrests and recoveries
Eight people, including trust employees connected to the counting process, have been arrested. Police say around Rs 80 lakh in cash and some jewellery have been recovered.
Investigators have sought a seven-day custodial remand of two jailed accused, citing fresh disclosures that require verification and more evidence recovery. The Anti-Corruption Court is slated to hear the plea on July 14.
Banking and security under review
Currently, cash from donation boxes is deposited with the State Bank of India’s Naya Ghat branch in Ayodhya. The trust is now exploring alternatives, including moving to another bank or spreading deposits across multiple banks.
According to sources, trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri met officials of a private sector bank earlier this week as part of the review.
Af former trust general secretary alleged SBI did not enforce basic safeguards during counting, such as mandatory frisking, pocketless uniforms and other standard measures for handling large cash volumes.
The SIT’s preliminary findings flagged repeated security lapses during cash counting and examined whether supervisory failures aided the alleged embezzlement. Investigators relied on CCTV footage collected during the probe.
In a separate tightening of controls, IDs linked to Champat Rai, Gopal Rao and trustee Anil Mishra were deactivated following their resignations. All VIP passes issued using those credentials have become invalid, sources said.
What to watch next
A parallel legal track is also moving quickly. The apex court is scheduled to hear, on July 13, a batch of pleas seeking an independent, court-monitored probe into the alleged donation misappropriation.
Key milestones to monitor now include:
– Final SIT report due by July 15
– Anti-Corruption Court remand plea on July 14
– Apex court hearing on July 13
– SIT to revisit Ayodhya for records
If adopted, an AI-led monitoring system could plug procedural gaps and raise donor confidence. Implementation details, procurement, and timelines, however, will depend on state decisions once the final report lands.
