A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's expenditure of over Rs 124 crore on major religious events over the past two years, including the Ram Lalla consecration ceremony held on January 22, 2024, in Ayodhya.

Expenditure Under Scrutiny

The SIT is auditing the trust's financial records, including audit reports, payment vouchers, and expenditure statements, to verify whether funds were utilized in accordance with the trust's prescribed financial procedures. The biggest expenditure under examination is the Rs 113 crore spent on the Ram Lalla consecration ceremony, which was attended by nearly 8,000 guests.

Major expenses for the consecration ceremony included Rs 35.97 crore on sheds and tent 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. The SIT is also reviewing other significant expenditures, including Rs 83 lakh spent on the first Pratishtha Dwadashi celebrations and Rs 10.12 crore on the Ram Temple flag-hoisting ceremony held on November 25, 2025.

Donation and Inventory Verification

Apart from expenditure, the SIT is verifying records relating to gold and silver donated to Ram Lalla. Devotees donated 2.3 kg of gold and 83.3 kg of silver between November 2024 and February 2025, while an additional 1.5 kg of gold and 28 kg of silver were received during the Maha Kumbh. Investigators are cross-checking inventory records, storage arrangements, and the current status of the valuables.

  • Total gold donated: 3.8 kg (2.3 kg + 1.5 kg)
  • Total silver donated: 111.3 kg (83.3 kg + 28 kg)
  • Cash recovered from accused: Rs 78.85 lakh (combined total from multiple individuals)
  • Other seized items: 11 grams of gold, 375 grams of silver, and USD 1,121

The investigation has widened to include a review of the trust's financial systems, expenditure records, and approval processes. Eight people associated with the temple's donation collection and counting process have been arrested so far, and the investigation is ongoing.