Ram temple consecration under scanner after trust's Rs 124-crore spend on events

The largest expenditure under scrutiny is the Rs 113 crore spent on the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024, attended by nearly 8,000 guests.

In Short

• SIT audits Rs 124 crore spent on major temple events
• Donation theft probe expands to trust finances and approvals
• Rs 113-crore consecration spend among expenses under scrutiny

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has expanded its probe to examine more than Rs 124 crore spent by the Ram temple trust on high-profile events, including the January 2024 consecration ceremony, arrangements linked to the 2025 Maha Kumbh and the flag-hoisting ceremony held in November 2025, sources said.

According to sources, the SIT is conducting an audit of the trust's financial records for the past two years. Investigators are examining audit reports, payment vouchers, bills, chartered accountant records and expenditure statements to verify whether funds were utilised in accordance with the trust's prescribed financial procedures and approvals.

Sources said the SIT is examining the expenditures as part of a broader audit exercise and has not reached any conclusions regarding financial irregularities. The exercise is aimed at verifying compliance with the trust's financial procedures and approval mechanisms.

The expanded scrutiny comes amid the ongoing donation theft controversy that has engulfed the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Uttar Pradesh government constituted an SIT to investigate allegations of embezzlement of devotees' offerings, following which several accused were arrested. The probe has since widened beyond the alleged theft itself to include an examination of the trust's financial systems, expenditure records and approval processes.

The controversy has already triggered a major shake-up within the trust. On Monday, the trust accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, who had stepped down amid the donation theft row. Trustee Krishna Mohan was appointed interim general secretary, while the trust also announced a broader administrative review to strengthen oversight and restore public confidence.

The largest expenditure under scrutiny relates to the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024, for which the trust spent about Rs 113 crore. The event, attended by nearly 8,000 guests, marked the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol in the newly constructed temple and was one of the most significant religious events held in the country in recent years.

According to audit records being examined by the SIT, major expenditure heads included Rs 35.97 crore on sheds and tent-city infrastructure, Rs 30.85 crore on the Akshat Pujan campaign, Rs 21.77 crore on publicity and advertisements, and Rs 14.62 crore on decoration and lighting.

Other expenses included Rs 5.11 crore on food arrangements (Ann Kshetra), Rs 1.06 crore on religious rituals, Rs 93 lakh on devotional music (Raag Seva), Rs 68 lakh on sound systems, Rs 43 lakh each on electricity and Mandal Pujan, and Rs 51 lakh on miscellaneous preparations.

The SIT is also examining expenditure incurred on the first Pratishtha Dwadashi celebrations held from January 11 to 13, 2025. According to trust records, around Rs 83 lakh was spent on the event, including Rs 52 lakh on lighting and decoration.

Investigators are further reviewing Rs 43 lakh spent on arrangements for devotees during the Maha Kumbh, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, during which Ayodhya witnessed a massive influx of pilgrims.

Another focus of the probe is the Ram Temple flag-hoisting ceremony held on November 25, 2025, which, according to trust records, cost Rs 10.12 crore. The event was attended by around 6,000 guests, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The SIT is examining whether approvals, payment procedures and head-wise expenditures relating to the event complied with the trust's financial regulations. Based on the recorded expenditure and attendance figures, the average spending worked out to roughly Rs 16,000 per attendee.

Apart from expenditure, the SIT is also verifying records relating to precious metals and jewellery donated to Ram Lalla. According to trust records being examined by investigators, devotees donated 2.3 kg of gold and 83.3 kg of silver between November 2024 and February 2025. During the Maha Kumbh, an additional 1.5 kg of gold and 28 kg of silver were received as offerings.

Investigators are cross-checking documentation relating to these donations, including inventory records, storage arrangements and their present status.

The trust has maintained that donated valuables remain safe and accounted for, while expressing confidence in the SIT investigation. At its meeting on Monday, trustees said the controversy had damaged the image of both the trust and Ayodhya and backed efforts to improve transparency and accountability in the management of donations and expenditure.

Sources said the SIT is also examining whether detailed financial statements relating to these high-value events were placed before meetings of the trust.

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