Ayodhya: The alleged donation embezzlement case at the Ram Mandir has taken another dramatic turn, with 23 employees engaged in counting devotees’ donations resigning en masse amid an ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe and tightened security measures at the temple.
The resignations come just days after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust initiated sweeping administrative reforms following allegations that temple offerings were siphoned off by members of the donation-counting team.
राम मंदिर चढ़ावा चोरी केस में बड़ी खबर
दान गणना से जुड़े 23 कर्मचारियों ने छोड़ी नौकरी
नए नियमों के बीच 23 कर्मचारियों ने दिया इस्तीफा
काम बढ़ने, सैलरी ना बढ़ने से एकसाथ दिया इस्तीफा
कार्यदायी संस्था को सौंपे 23 कर्मियों के इस्तीफेWatch : https://t.co/3fJ4B969tt#Ayodhya… pic.twitter.com/9PheW5HELi
— Bharat 24 – Vision Of New India (@Bharat24Liv) July 10, 2026
Staff Cite Tougher Rules, Reduced Benefits
According to reports, the employees attributed their resignations to longer working hours, stricter surveillance, reduced salaries and curtailed leave after the Trust overhauled the donation management system in response to the scam. The fresh exits have added another layer of concern to one of the biggest controversies surrounding the Ram Mandir since its inauguration.
SIT Uncovers Major Security Lapses
The SIT’s preliminary findings have pointed to glaring violations of the temple’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Investigators found that mandatory frisking of staff was often ignored, CCTV surveillance was inadequately monitored, and security checks remained lax, allegedly enabling repeated thefts from the donation-counting centre over several weeks.
Authorities have already arrested eight accused in the case. During searches, police recovered cash, gold ornaments, a vehicle and other assets allegedly purchased using misappropriated temple funds. Investigators have also frozen 15 bank accounts while examining possible money laundering and stock market investments linked to the accused.
Trust Undergoes Major Shake-up
The scandal has triggered the biggest organisational overhaul in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust since its formation. The Trust accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, appointed an interim general secretary and initiated the process of recruiting a professional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to strengthen governance and financial oversight.
Investigation Continues
Police and the SIT are continuing to trace the financial trail, scrutinise digital evidence and examine the role of all those associated with the handling of devotees’ donations. Officials have indicated that more action could follow as the investigation progresses.
The controversy has sparked nationwide attention, with the Trust assuring devotees that stricter safeguards, enhanced transparency and robust financial controls will be implemented to restore public confidence in the management of offerings at the Ram Mandir.
