Ram Temple Trust Deepens Scrutiny of SBI Partnership Following Donation Theft Allegations

In a significant move reflecting its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the body overseeing the construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, has initiated a thorough review of its banking arrangements with the State Bank of India (SBI). This decision, made during a pivotal meeting in Ayodhya on July 22, 2026, comes in the wake of an alleged donation theft that has, quite understandably, raised eyebrows and concerns among devotees and the public alike.

It was back in early June of 2026, you see, that whispers of discrepancies concerning the temple's generous donations began to circulate. These weren't mere whispers for long, as the controversy quickly escalated, leading the Uttar Pradesh government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13th to get to the bottom of things. An FIR was registered on June 25th, and by July 8th, three individuals, including a former cash counting supervisor named Subhash Srivastava, were taken into police custody in Ayodhya, brought from jail on remand for further questioning. This whole episode has certainly cast a shadow, prompting the Trust to take decisive action.

The Trust isn't just sitting idle; it's actively shaking things up. Mohan has been appointed as the interim general secretary, taking over from Champat Rai, and he hasn't minced words. He openly, and quite pointedly, attributed some of the blame for the alleged theft to SBI, especially concerning the outsourced employees involved in handling the cash offerings. While the Trust's treasurer, Swami Govind Dev Giri, has urged the public not to jump to conclusions until the legal process runs its course, the message is clear: accountability is paramount, and changes are happening now.

As part of this financial overhaul, the Trust's finance panel has been tasked with meticulously scrutinizing the partnership with SBI. They're exploring every possible alternative, including potentially engaging other prominent banks like Indian Bank, Bank of Baroda, or Punjab National Bank. There's even talk of distributing deposits across multiple institutions to mitigate risks. To further tighten oversight, a new head of cash counting, Shobhnath Mishra, has been appointed, replacing Srivastava. It seems they are leaving no stone unturned to ensure such incidents are not repeated.

Beyond the immediate banking concerns, the Trust is implementing broader governance enhancements. They are actively reviewing their bylaws, a move to strengthen internal mechanisms and prevent future issues. A new nine-member Dharmik Committee, led by Swami Govind Dev Giri, has also been formed, indicating a concerted effort to involve spiritual leaders more directly in the temple's administrative and financial probity. Interestingly, the appointment of the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has been deferred by a month, as the selection panel, after sifting through over 5,200 applications, simply needs more time to find the right fit for such a crucial role.

Of course, this entire saga is still unfolding. The SIT's final report on the alleged discrepancies in donation counting is keenly awaited, and until then, the full picture remains somewhat incomplete. The Trust has reiterated its firm stance that action will be taken against anyone found guilty, but only once the legal process has concluded fairly and justly. It's a delicate balance, ensuring justice while maintaining public trust.

Ultimately, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's decisive actions underscore its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the sacred donations pouring in for the Ram Temple. This review of the SBI tie-up, alongside the internal reforms, sends a strong message: every rupee contributed by devotees for this historic temple will be protected, managed with utmost integrity, and utilized for its intended divine purpose.