Ram temple multi-crore donation ‘scam’ leaves millions in shock
Key temple trust functionary resigns; UP govt’s SIT submits preliminary probe report on June 23@Mohammed11Saleh has more pic.twitter.com/BurCKZP7Fu
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Ayodhya: The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested all eight persons named in an FIR in connection with the alleged embezzlement of devotees’ donations at the Ram Temple, marking a major breakthrough in the high-profile investigation that has shaken one of the country’s most revered religious institutions. The arrests followed the submission of a preliminary report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which reportedly uncovered serious irregularities in the handling of temple offerings.
The accused, most of whom were associated with counting cash and valuables offered by devotees, were taken into custody shortly after the FIR was registered on the complaint of a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Police said all eight are being questioned as investigators examine financial records, CCTV footage and cash-handling procedures.
Trust Officials Resign
Amid the escalating controversy, Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned, citing moral responsibility. Their resignations came even as the investigation widened, although the probe is currently focused on the accused named in the FIR.
#Decode | Ram Temple Donation Theft: ₹2 crore recovered out of ₹7 crore
The overnight lifestyle transformation that raised suspicions
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Inside the Alleged Racket
According to the SIT’s preliminary findings, the accused allegedly exploited weaknesses in the temple’s donation-counting system to siphon off cash before it was deposited in banks. Investigators suspect the operation relied on manipulation of cash bundles, inadequate verification procedures and poor surveillance inside the counting centre.
The probe has reportedly found that officials often verified only the number of currency bundles rather than the exact number of notes in each bundle, allowing cash to be removed without immediately affecting official deposit records. CCTV footage is also said to have captured repeated instances of alleged pilferage inside the counting room.
Crores Suspected Missing
Investigators suspect that donations worth ₹7 crore to ₹7.5 crore may have been diverted since the Ram Temple opened to devotees in January 2024, although the exact figure is yet to be officially confirmed. Authorities have already recovered a substantial amount of cash during raids, and further recoveries are expected as custodial interrogation continues.
The SIT is also examining allegations that valuables offered by devotees, including gold ornaments and jewellery meant for Ram Lalla, may have been misappropriated along with cash.
Security and Oversight Under Scrutiny
The investigation has exposed what officials describe as major lapses in internal controls. Preliminary findings indicate inadequate CCTV monitoring, weak supervision of the donation-counting process, poor documentation and the absence of proper frisking of staff after cash-counting duties.
The report has also raised questions over the system of appointments within the cash-counting unit and the overall accountability mechanism governing the handling of temple donations.
Government Promises Strict Action
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured that those found guilty will face stringent action, asserting that no individual involved in the alleged embezzlement will be spared regardless of position or influence. The SIT is expected to submit a comprehensive final report after completing forensic examination of financial records and electronic evidence.
