The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has conducted a physical verification of gold and silver assets held in an Ayodhya bank locker. This internal audit follows a June investigation into the alleged theft of temple donations. The Special Investigation Team is currently continuing its probe into the matter.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is currently conducting a thorough internal audit of its financial assets and precious metals. Krishna Mohan, the trust's interim general secretary, led the verification process on Monday evening at a State Bank of India branch in Ayodhya. During this process, the trust reviewed gold, silver, and other valuable items worth several crores of rupees stored in bank lockers. Officials also created a photographic record and a detailed inventory of the assets to ensure accurate accounting of all donations received.
Internal Audit Follows Donation Misappropriation Probe
This review of physical assets comes during a period of increased scrutiny regarding the temple’s financial management. Earlier in June, reports of embezzlement involving donation funds prompted concerns over internal controls. In response, trust officials spent three days verifying account ledgers and cross-referencing financial documents prior to the physical locker inspection. The trust is now compiling a comprehensive final report that reconciles its monetary funds with its physical precious metal holdings.
Ongoing Investigation by Special Investigation Team
The asset review runs parallel to an ongoing legal investigation into the misappropriation of offerings. An FIR was registered on June 25, which led to the arrest of eight individuals linked to the alleged theft. The Special Investigation Team, which was formed following directives related to the case, is now expected to resume its inquiries. The Uttar Pradesh government had previously set a 15-day timeline for the team to complete its preliminary findings. As the investigation progresses, observers will track the outcome of the legal proceedings and any subsequent updates the trust provides regarding its internal governance and asset security measures.