New Delhi: The investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has intensified, with eight individuals arrested in connection with the case following the submission of a preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team.
The controversy first surfaced earlier this month, when allegations emerged regarding irregularities in the handling of cash and valuables offered by devotees at the temple. Initial responses from authorities and temple officials rejected the claims and maintained that the donation process was subject to regular audits and strict oversight.
However, as concerns grew, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team on June 13 following a request from the temple trust. The team submitted its preliminary findings to the state government on June 23, after which action against those named in the case moved swiftly.
The eight arrested individuals were involved in various stages of the donation counting and handling process. They include staff associated with cash counting operations, supervisory roles and administrative responsibilities linked to the management of temple offerings.
Among those arrested are Ramshankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu, who allegedly had access to the keys of donation boxes, former bank employee Subhash Srivastava, who supervised cash counting activities, and Karunesh Pandey, who is accused of manipulating financial records and receipts.
Investigators have also arrested Ramashankar Mishra, his son Anukalp Mishra and son in law Lavkush Mishra, all of whom were involved in counting donations. Temple attendant Avinash Shukla and Manish Kumar Yadav, a relative of Tinnu Yadav who also participated in the counting process, are among the accused.
The case has been registered under provisions related to theft, criminal breach of trust, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The Ram Temple has witnessed a massive inflow of devotees and donations since its inauguration in January 2024, with annual earnings reportedly crossing Rs 327 crore during the 2024 to 25 financial year. Donations alone accounted for over Rs 153 crore, while interest income contributed significantly to the temple’s revenue.
Authorities continue to examine the findings of the investigation as the probe moves into its next phase.
