Congress Demands Supreme Court-Monitored Probe into Ram Temple Donation Theft Case

Congress Demands Supreme Court-Monitored Investigation

The Congress on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, renewed its demand for an independent investigation monitored by the Supreme Court into the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh criticised the BJP-led government over the handling of the case and demanded transparency regarding the donations and valuables offered by devotees.

In a statement posted on social media, Ramesh questioned why the alleged irregularities had continued despite warnings about weaknesses in the temple trust's financial and administrative systems.

The Congress has argued that an impartial investigation is necessary to establish the full extent of the alleged theft and determine whether anyone in a position of responsibility failed to prevent it.

Jairam Ramesh Questions Accountability

Ramesh accused the authorities of failing to provide a comprehensive account of the missing donations and valuables.

He questioned whether the investigation was adequately examining the role of those responsible for supervising the handling and counting of offerings.

The Congress leader also asked why the advice of a private audit firm had allegedly not resulted in stronger internal controls and improved record-keeping.

These statements represent the Congress's allegations and demands. They do not establish that any particular individual committed a crime.

Audit Firm Had Flagged Internal Control Concerns

According to Ramesh, a private audit firm appointed after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was established in February 2020 provided recommendations concerning internal audits and risk management in November that year.

He said the firm had reportedly raised concerns about management practices, unclear responsibilities and the absence of a systematic donation-recording process.

The recommendations reportedly included introducing standard operating procedures for handling data and personnel, as well as maintaining an appropriate stock register for donated valuables.

The Congress has questioned whether these recommendations were implemented and whether stronger controls could have prevented the alleged irregularities.

The claims concerning the audit firm's observations and the implementation of its recommendations require assessment alongside the relevant records and the trust's response.

SIT Reported 105 Instances of Cash Removal

Ramesh also referred to findings attributed to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government in 2026.

According to his account, the investigation identified 105 occasions on which cash was allegedly removed from the donation-counting room. He further alleged that employees deliberately stood in front of CCTV cameras to obstruct the view.

The Congress has argued that the reported incidents raise questions about security arrangements, supervision and the effectiveness of internal controls.

The party has called for the complete findings of the investigation to be disclosed and for the authorities to examine the responsibility of individuals at every relevant level.

The reported incidents should not be interpreted as proof that every person associated with the temple trust was involved in wrongdoing.

Congress Questions the Scope of the Investigation

The Congress has questioned whether the investigation has adequately examined the alleged thefts and the systems that were supposed to prevent them.

Ramesh asked how the incidents could have continued despite the reported audit warnings and why the full value of the missing donations and valuables had not been clearly established.

The party has also raised concerns about the distinction between investigating individuals accused of directly removing cash and examining whether supervisory failures or negligence contributed to the alleged incidents.

It has demanded that the investigation establish the facts without shielding anyone from accountability.

Why Is the Congress Seeking Supreme Court Supervision?

The Congress has argued that a probe supervised by the Supreme Court would help ensure independence, transparency and public confidence.

The party has questioned whether an investigation conducted through a state-appointed SIT is sufficient to examine allegations involving individuals it believes may hold significant political or institutional influence.

Its demand is for an independent and impartial process that examines the entire chain of responsibility, including donation management, financial records, security procedures and the handling of complaints.

However, the demand for Supreme Court supervision is a political position advanced by the Congress. It does not mean that the Supreme Court has ordered such an investigation.

Earlier FIR and Arrests in the Case

The controversy became a major public issue after an FIR was registered on June 25, 2026, following an investigation into alleged thefts involving donations at the temple.

Earlier reports stated that eight people associated with the donation-counting process were arrested. Authorities also reported recovering approximately ₹79.85 lakh in cash, along with some foreign currency, during the investigation.

The reported recovery forms part of the investigation, but it does not necessarily establish the total amount of money or the value of valuables allegedly missing from the temple's donations.

The Congress has questioned whether the investigation has adequately addressed the full extent of the alleged theft and the responsibility of those overseeing the relevant operations.

Questions Over the Role of Former Trust Officials

The Congress has repeatedly questioned whether former office-bearers of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust have been adequately examined during the investigation.

Ramesh has specifically raised questions about the roles of former trust general secretary Champat Rai and trust member Anil Mishra, arguing that responsibility should not be limited to employees accused of directly handling the cash.

The party has also questioned the reported timeline between the receipt and review of CCTV footage and the registration of the FIR.

These questions and allegations have been raised by Congress leaders. Any criminal responsibility must be determined through the investigation and the applicable legal process.

BJP and Government's Position

The Congress has criticised the BJP and questioned the government's response to the case. However, political allegations should be distinguished from established findings.

Earlier reporting indicated that the authorities had initiated an investigation and that the temple trust had said a fair inquiry would be conducted. The case has proceeded through the relevant investigative and legal mechanisms.

A complete assessment requires the investigation's findings, relevant financial records and responses from the people and institutions concerned.

Why the Case Matters to Devotees

The donations made to the Ram Temple represent offerings from devotees across India and abroad. Questions about their handling have therefore raised concerns about financial accountability and the protection of public religious donations.

The controversy has also highlighted the importance of transparent accounting, effective internal audits, secure cash-handling procedures and clear assignment of responsibility within institutions that manage public offerings.

The Congress has argued that a full accounting of donations and valuables is necessary to address public concerns and establish whether any wrongdoing occurred.

Key Takeaways

• The Congress has renewed its demand for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into alleged thefts involving Ram Temple donations.

• Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has questioned whether earlier audit recommendations were implemented.

• The party has cited allegations that cash was removed from the counting room on 105 occasions.

• Congress has called for greater transparency regarding CCTV footage, donation records and internal controls.

• An FIR was registered on June 25, 2026, and earlier reports said eight people were arrested.

• Approximately ₹79.85 lakh in cash, along with some foreign currency, was reportedly recovered during the investigation.

• Congress has questioned whether the investigation adequately examines supervisory responsibility and the role of former trust officials.

• The demand for Supreme Court supervision is the Congress's position; it should not be confused with a court order directing such a probe.

• The allegations remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.

Bottom Line

The Congress's latest demand places the focus on transparency, internal controls and accountability in the handling of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The party wants the Supreme Court to supervise an independent investigation into the alleged thefts, the reported audit warnings and the role of those responsible for managing donations. The central questions are the full extent of the alleged losses, whether existing safeguards were followed and whether responsibility extended beyond the individuals accused of directly removing cash.

The allegations must be assessed through documentary evidence and the legal process. A final determination of criminal responsibility rests with the competent authorities and courts.

Disclaimer: This article reports allegations and political statements concerning an ongoing investigation. Allegations are not proof of guilt.