Lucknow: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the alleged embezzlement of devotees' offerings at the Ram Temple has submitted its preliminary investigation report to the state government, officials said.The three-member SIT formally handed over the preliminary report to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad after completing its week-long inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the handling of temple donations and related financial management systems.

According to highly placed sources, the preliminary report has recommended a comprehensive restructuring of the temple trust and suggested the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on the lines of the management model adopted at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.The recommendations are aimed at improving financial transparency, accountability and administrative efficiency.The state government on June 13 had directed the SIT to submit a preliminary report within one week and an interim report within two weeks.Officials indicated that the preliminary findings may also be placed before Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for further consideration.The SIT launched its probe last week following allegations of theft and misappropriation of offerings made by devotees.

During the investigation, the team examined donation collection and counting procedures, scrutinised financial records and recorded statements of nearly 150 individuals associated with temple administration and related operations.Sources said the inquiry uncovered several procedural lapses in the management of donations and temple finances.The SIT also examined the functioning of personnel involved in handling donation boxes and banking-related processes.

Written statements of several individuals linked to temple management and financial operations were recorded as part of the probe.Officials familiar with the investigation said the preliminary report contains multiple recommendations aimed at strengthening oversight mechanisms and ensuring greater transparency in the management of devotees' offerings.The contents of the report have not been officially disclosed, and the state government is expected to examine the findings before deciding on further action.