Acharya Anand Swaroop Maharaj says an independent inquiry would strengthen public confidence as the SIT continues its investigation
July 1, 2026: The alleged Ram Mandir donation controversy has triggered strong reactions from religious leaders, with Acharya Anand Swaroop Maharaj, President of the Shankaracharya Parishad, calling for an independent investigation into the matter. Speaking during an exclusive television interview, he said the allegations surrounding the handling of temple donations have hurt the sentiments of devotees. He also argued that any probe should examine the accountability of senior officials associated with the temple administration, rather than focusing only on lower-level accused.
Questioning the effectiveness of the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry, Acharya Anand Swaroop suggested that an investigation supervised by a serving Supreme Court judge or an independent central agency would inspire greater public confidence. He maintained that identifying only lower-level suspects would not fully answer questions about responsibility and said individuals holding positions of authority should also be examined if evidence supports such action.
The remarks represent the seer’s personal views expressed during the interview and are not findings of any investigating agency. Authorities have not confirmed the allegations against any individual, and the SIT investigation is still underway. The final report is expected to establish the facts, determine whether any administrative or criminal lapses occurred, and recommend further action based on the evidence. Meanwhile, the controversy continues to draw nationwide attention, with religious groups, political leaders, and devotees calling for transparency and accountability to maintain public trust in one of India’s most significant religious institutions.