Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the management of Ram Temple donations as the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust held a meeting to decide its first full-time CEO. 

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday raised concerns over the management of Ram Temple funds, saying he hoped there would be no theft of “Ram Dhan” as the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust met to discuss the appointment of its first full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The Trust meeting in Ayodhya was convened to consider three shortlisted candidates recommended by a search committee for the CEO position. The appointment is expected to bring a more structured administrative framework for the management of the temple complex and related operations.

Akhilesh raises questions over temple funds

Reacting to the Trust meeting, Akhilesh Yadav said that the appointment process should ensure transparency and accountability in the management of donations received for the temple.

He referred to earlier allegations regarding irregularities in temple donations and said that the faith of devotees must be protected. The allegations have been a subject of political debate, with the Trust and other parties responding to claims made by opposition leaders. 

Trust moves ahead with CEO selection

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has been working on selecting its first CEO to strengthen administrative operations.

A search committee reviewed applications and shortlisted candidates before submitting recommendations to the Trust. The meeting agenda included consideration of the shortlisted names as well as procedures and responsibilities associated with the CEO post. 

The CEO will be responsible for helping manage the growing administrative requirements of the temple, including operational planning and coordination.

Political debate continues

The issue has triggered a political exchange between opposition leaders and supporters of the temple administration.

While Akhilesh Yadav has demanded transparency over donations and management, the Trust has maintained that temple-related affairs are being handled through established procedures. 

The appointment of the first CEO is being seen as an important administrative step as the Ram temple complex continues to expand and attract devotees.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is meeting in Ayodhya to consider three shortlisted candidates for its first full-time CEO after a selection process that received 5,585 applications.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has begun a crucial meeting in Ayodhya to decide on the appointment of its first full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The meeting follows the submission of the final report by a three-member search committee, which shortlisted three candidates after screening 5,585 applications for the post. 

Trust member Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj had said the meeting would begin at 2 pm and that the decision taken would be agreed upon by the Trust members. Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, however, said the Trust would decide whether to announce the selected candidate immediately. 

Three-member panel submitted final recommendations

The search committee comprises retired Lieutenant General Vishnu Kant Chaturvedi, former scientist Suresh Haware and former Justice Pramod Kohli.

The committee's final report was submitted to the Trust on Tuesday after an extensive screening process. The panel also prepared a reserve list of three candidates, according to reports.

Kohli said the committee received 5,585 applications and created a 600-mark evaluation form based on eligibility criteria to handle the large number of applications.

The selection process subsequently involved online interactions and face-to-face interviews in Ayodhya before the final candidates were recommended. 

CEO appointment to strengthen administration

The appointment is expected to establish a dedicated executive leadership structure for the Ram temple's expanding administrative requirements.

The Trust is also considering changes to its administrative framework, including defining the powers and responsibilities of the proposed CEO and the division of duties between the CEO and other office-bearers. 

The meeting is therefore significant not only for the appointment itself but also for the broader restructuring of the Trust's management system.

The Trust is expected to take a final decision after considering the search committee's recommendations and deliberating on the candidates' suitability for the post.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is scheduled to hold an important meeting on Wednesday, where it is expected to appoint a permanent general secretary and fill three vacant trustee positions. The meeting comes shortly after the alleged donation theft case at the Ram Temple, making it one of the trust's most significant administrative gatherings in recent weeks.

The meeting will begin at 4:00 pm under the chairmanship of Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. Treasurer Govind Dev Giri and Shankaracharya Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati have already arrived in Ayodhya to participate in the proceedings.

Race for General Secretary Post

Acting General Secretary Krishna Mohan and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) General Secretary Bajrang Lal Bagra are considered the leading contenders for the permanent general secretary's post.

The appointment is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the trust's administrative functioning, especially at a time when the temple administration is under increased public attention.

Three Trustee Positions Vacant

The vacancies arose after the trust accepted the resignations of former General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Dr. Anil Mishra during its meeting on 6 July. Both leaders had submitted their resignations on 26 June.

Following their exit, retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Krishna Mohan was appointed as the acting general secretary.

A third trustee position became vacant after the demise of Bimalendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, head of the Ayodhya royal family and a member of the trust. The meeting is expected to finalize appointments for all three vacant positions.

Meeting Held Amid Donation Theft Probe

The trust meeting is being held against the backdrop of the recently reported Ram Mandir donation theft case, which has drawn significant public attention.

While the trust has not officially stated that the matter is part of the meeting agenda, the case has heightened the importance of the discussions. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening administrative oversight and ensuring smooth management of the temple's affairs.

CEO Appointment Nears Final Stage

Alongside the trustee appointments, the process of selecting a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Ram Temple administration has entered its final phase.

According to available information, nearly 5,500 candidates from across the country have applied online for the position. The newly appointed CEO is expected to assume charge after Raksha Bandhan (28 August).

The CEO will oversee the temple's administration, daily operations, infrastructure management, security, and facilities for devotees.

The decisions taken during Wednesday's meeting are expected to shape the future administrative structure of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust as it continues to manage one of India's most prominent religious institutions.

A fresh political controversy has erupted over the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an independent inquiry into the financial affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Congress has also demanded that the trust's accounts be made public so devotees can know how their contributions have been utilized.

The letter, written on Saturday and made public on Sunday, comes amid an ongoing police investigation into the alleged embezzlement of temple offerings and increasing political confrontation over the issue.

Congress Demands Transparency and Accountability

In their letter, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge reminded the Prime Minister that the Ram Mandir Trust was constituted following his announcement in Parliament and that its members were appointed by the Central Government.

The Congress leaders alleged that many members of the trust are associated with organizations linked to the RSS and VHP, while the former General Secretary was considered close to the Prime Minister.

The letter stated that the Prime Minister's silence over the allegations was "unacceptable" and argued that ensuring accountability was his constitutional and moral responsibility. They demanded an independent investigation, complete disclosure of the trust's financial records, and strict action against anyone found responsible after the probe.

Main Accused Tinnu Faces Fresh Police Questioning

Meanwhile, police continued questioning the main accused, Ramashankar Yadav alias 'Tinnu', and his nephew Manish, whose police custody entered its final day on Sunday.

Investigators had taken both accused from the district jail on a 39-hour remand on Saturday morning. According to police sources, they remained at the Special Operations Group (SOG) office throughout the interrogation and were not taken to any other location during the remand period.

Tinnu reportedly supervised the Ram Mandir's donation boxes and was considered a close aide of former trust General Secretary Champat Rai, while Manish was allegedly involved in counting the offerings.

Police have recovered ₹1 lakh from Tinnu's residence and ₹2 lakh from Manish's house. Earlier, six other suspects had also been questioned in connection with the alleged financial irregularities.

Ram Temple Trust Meeting Scheduled for July 22

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will hold a crucial meeting in Ayodhya on 22 July, where several important issues are expected to be discussed.

The agenda includes reviewing the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report, filling vacant positions within the trust, and appointing a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Around 5,000 applications have reportedly been received for the CEO post.

The trust has maintained that conclusions should not be drawn before the investigation is completed. It has stated that all financial records are audited annually by an independent chartered accountancy firm and that donation details can be accessed by devotees through the prescribed process.

Trust Says ₹3,264 Crore Received in Donations

According to the trust, it has received ₹3,264 crore through the Nidhi Samarpan campaign and corpus donations since its formation.

Of this amount:

• ₹2,370 crore has been spent on temple construction and related development works.
• ₹582 crore has been received as offerings from devotees until 31 March 2026.
• ₹391 crore has been utilized for temple management and operational expenses, while the remaining funds have been deposited in bank accounts.

Following the preliminary findings of the SIT, former General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Dr. Anil Mishra resigned, taking moral responsibility. The trust accepted their resignations while emphasizing that legal proceedings must conclude before assigning criminal liability.

Political Row Intensifies

The controversy has triggered sharp political reactions across parties. Samajwadi Party leaders questioned remarks made by Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, while several religious leaders have supported a thorough investigation into the alleged financial irregularities.

With Parliament's Monsoon Session beginning shortly and the Ram Temple Trust meeting scheduled this week, the issue is expected to remain at the centre of political debate, as opposition parties continue to demand greater transparency and accountability over one of India's most significant religious institutions.

Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh has stepped away from managing his official social media presence and personal mobile phone ahead of his proposed Ujjain-to-Ayodhya padayatra, saying he will no longer use social media during the campaign.

The announcement comes ahead of Singh's planned foot march, scheduled to begin on October 20, coinciding with Dussehra (Vijayadashami). He has said the yatra will focus on issues related to alleged financial irregularities in donations made to the Ram Temple and will not be conducted under the banner of any political party.

Official X Account Handed to Office

Singh has transferred the management of his official X (formerly Twitter) account to his office staff. His account, previously operating under the handle @digvijaya_28, has now been renamed OfficeofDVS, indicating that future updates will be issued through his office instead of being personally managed by him.

The move is part of his decision to stay away from social media while undertaking the religious march.

Personal Mobile Given to Secretary

The former chief minister has also handed over his personal mobile phone to his secretary, Sachin Vats.

In a Facebook post, Singh announced that he would no longer use his personal mobile number. He said the number would now be operated by his secretary, who would keep him informed about important messages and communications received on the phone.

Padayatra Begins on October 20

Digvijaya Singh had earlier announced that the march would begin on October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) from the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. However, he later revised the schedule and decided to launch the yatra on October 20, the day of Dussehra this year.

The march will conclude in Ayodhya, where Singh plans to raise questions over the alleged theft of offerings made at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.

'Now I Want to Work for Dharma'

Speaking about his future political role, Singh said he has turned 80 years old and has informed the Congress leadership that younger leaders should now be given opportunities.

He noted that the party had given him multiple opportunities to serve as an MLA, Member of Parliament and Rajya Sabha member, adding that he now wishes to dedicate himself to what he described as the protection of dharma.

He also clarified that he would neither make political statements nor post political content on Facebook or X during the course of the march.

Focus on Donation Transparency

According to Singh, the primary objective of the yatra is to seek transparency regarding donations collected for the Ram Temple. He has claimed that he personally donated ₹1.11 lakh for the temple's construction and has alleged financial irregularities in the management of contributions.

He said he plans to seek legal advice before approaching a court in Ayodhya to demand a complete accounting of the donation funds.

Singh has also invited devotees who contributed to the Ram Temple fund to join the march with their donation receipts.

Kar Sevak to Be Chief Guest

Rather than inviting senior political leaders, Singh said Santosh Dubey, a kar sevak who was injured during the Ayodhya movement after being hit by bullets, would be the chief guest for the yatra.

The Congress veteran maintains that the march is intended to raise issues of accountability and transparency and should not be viewed as a political campaign.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a batch of petitions on Monday seeking an independent, court-monitored investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations collected at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.

The petitions seek the transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and request a time-bound probe along with a forensic audit of the temple's donation records to examine the alleged financial irregularities.

The matter comes before the apex court at a time when an investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is already underway into the alleged misappropriation of temple funds.

Petitions Seek Court-Monitored Probe

According to the petitions, the Supreme Court has been urged to direct an independent investigation under judicial supervision to ensure transparency and public confidence in the handling of devotees' donations.

The petitioners have also sought a forensic examination of donation records to verify allegations of financial irregularities and identify any misuse of funds.

The court is expected to consider whether the ongoing investigation is sufficient or whether an independent agency should take over the probe.

Investigation Already Underway

Law enforcement agencies have been investigating the alleged theft and misuse of donations collected by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case. Authorities are continuing to investigate the alleged diversion and misappropriation of temple funds, while collecting financial and documentary evidence.

The ongoing SIT inquiry remains active as investigators examine the flow of donations and related financial transactions.

Administrative Changes in Temple Trust

The controversy has also led to significant organisational changes within the temple trust.

The trust recently accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra. An interim secretary has been appointed, while the process to select a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has also been initiated.

These changes come amid efforts to strengthen administrative oversight as the investigation continues.

Political and Religious Reactions

The allegations have triggered widespread political debate and attracted attention from religious organisations across the country.

Several opposition leaders have demanded an independent investigation into the alleged financial irregularities, arguing that the matter requires complete transparency due to the public nature of the donations.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), however, has expressed confidence in the ongoing SIT investigation while stressing the need for accountability in managing funds contributed by devotees.

Court's Decision Awaited

The Supreme Court's hearing is expected to determine whether the existing SIT investigation should continue independently or whether additional judicial oversight or a CBI-led probe is warranted.

The outcome could influence the future course of the investigation and clarify the extent of judicial supervision over the alleged financial irregularities involving one of the country's most prominent religious institutions.

The veteran actor, in Ayodhya to begin filming his upcoming project Shri Ram Bhoomi, spoke to reporters about the embezzlement allegations that have engulfed the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust over the past month. Kher said those responsible for the alleged theft should be identified and punished, but argued the controversy shouldn't be allowed to diminish the temple's sanctity or reflect on the wider faith. Drawing a comparison, he said a theft inside a house doesn't take away from the value of the house itself, and that neither Sanatan Dharma nor Lord Ram should be blamed for the actions of individuals.

The controversy Kher was responding to centers on an alleged scheme to skim donation money during the counting process at the temple complex. A Special Investigation Team formed by the Uttar Pradesh government submitted a preliminary report this week, reportedly finding CCTV footage from between April 27 and June 5 showing roughly 70 instances of counting staff concealing cash in their clothing and other personal items. Six individuals have been named with what investigators describe as prima facie evidence of involvement, and cases have been registered against them. Uttar Pradesh police have also sought custody of three of the accused, from whom several lakh rupees in cash was recovered, in order to trace the money through their bank records.

The fallout has already reached the top of the trust's leadership. General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra had their resignations accepted by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust this week, in line with the trust's constitution. Rai, in a handwritten letter posted to X, said he had stayed silent on the matter while the SIT's report was pending, and that he had personally faced what he called unfair allegations during that period.

The episode has taken on political weight beyond the temple itself, surfacing months ahead of assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh — India's most populous state and the temple's home ground. Kher isn't the only public figure to have weighed in; trust officials have separately urged that the matter not be politicised, even as opposition leaders have used it to question the state government's oversight of the temple's finances.

For Kher, the Ayodhya visit doubled as the start of production on Shri Ram Bhoomi, which begins a 10–12 day shoot in the city. The actor, whose career spans more than five decades and hundreds of films, said the visit was as much about seeking blessings for the new project as it was about addressing the controversy directly.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister accused the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) of pursuing what he described as policies that hurt religious sentiments. Referring to a past controversy associated with Hanumangarhi, Yogi Adityanath alleged that opposition parties had committed a “mistake” by allowing actions that, according to him, were inappropriate for a major Hindu religious site.

During his address, the Chief Minister questioned what he called the selective approach of some political parties on religious issues. He asked whether practices associated with one faith would be accepted inside places of worship belonging to another religion, arguing that the same standards should apply in all cases.

The remarks came amid continuing political debate over religious sites, temple administration and issues connected to Ayodhya. The city has remained at the centre of national political discourse since the inauguration of the Ram Temple and continues to witness frequent exchanges between ruling and opposition parties over matters related to faith, heritage and governance.

Without naming specific leaders, Yogi Adityanath said certain political groups had historically engaged in what he described as appeasement politics. He asserted that his government was committed to protecting religious traditions while ensuring development and infrastructure growth in major pilgrimage centres across Uttar Pradesh.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the transformation of Ayodhya in recent years, pointing to investments in roads, tourism facilities, transportation networks and public infrastructure. According to him, the city's development reflects a broader effort to promote religious tourism and strengthen cultural heritage.

Opposition parties have repeatedly rejected similar allegations in the past, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of raising religious issues for political purposes. Leaders from Congress and the Samajwadi Party have maintained that they respect all faiths and have accused the ruling party of attempting to polarise public debate.

Political observers note that religious and cultural issues are likely to remain prominent in Uttar Pradesh politics, particularly as parties continue to position themselves ahead of future electoral contests. Statements relating to Ayodhya, temples and religious identity often attract significant public and political attention due to their wider symbolic importance.

The latest remarks by the Chief Minister are expected to trigger fresh reactions from opposition leaders, adding another chapter to the ongoing political contest over religion, governance and public perception in the state.

Twenty-three employees responsible for counting donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya have resigned simultaneously, citing a sharp increase in workload without any corresponding increase in salary. The resignations come amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged donation theft case, which has intensified scrutiny of the temple's donation management system.

The employees said changes in the pattern of donations following the alleged theft have significantly slowed the counting process. According to them, offerings now contain a much higher volume of ₹10 and ₹20 notes, replacing the larger denomination currency notes that were previously more common.

Earlier, staff members used to prepare 70 to 80 bundles of ₹500 notes during a shift, allowing the counting process to be completed relatively quickly. They now manage only around 15 bundles of ₹500 notes, while processing a substantially larger number of smaller denomination notes, increasing the time required to complete the work.

Longer Working Hours Trigger Resignations

The resigning employees also alleged that their working hours have increased following changes in the counting schedule.

According to the staff, donation counting was previously carried out in two shifts, with each employee working approximately six hours. The system has now been replaced with a single shift running from 9 am to 6 pm, extending working hours without any revision in wages.

They said the increased workload, combined with unchanged salaries, compelled them to submit their resignations. Following the resignations, only 13 donation-counting employees remain with the bank responsible for handling the temple's offerings.

Supreme Court to Hear Case on July 13

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the Ram Temple donation theft case on July 13. A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant will take up three petitions related to the matter.

The petitions seek a CBI investigation, constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the formation of an expert committee to review the management of donations and related administrative systems at the temple.

The hearing comes as investigations into the alleged misappropriation of donations continue and several accused remain under judicial custody.

Investigation Continues

Police have already arrested multiple accused in connection with the alleged donation theft. During recent custodial interrogation, investigators reportedly recovered cash, jewellery and a vehicle allegedly linked to the case. Authorities have also seized documents relating to property transactions as part of the ongoing investigation.

The accused are expected to be produced before the court after the completion of their custody period, while investigators continue to examine financial transactions and other evidence connected to the alleged theft.

Political Reactions Intensify

The case has triggered political reactions across party lines. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to hear the matter and called for an independent investigation. He questioned why an FIR had not initially been registered before the Special Investigation Team began its inquiry.

Congress leaders also demanded an impartial probe, alleging that the investigation should be monitored independently. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing a public gathering in Basti, accused opposition parties of politicising issues related to the Ram Temple and defended his government's handling of Ayodhya's development.

Concern Beyond India

The controversy has also drawn attention from Janaki Temple in Janakpur, Nepal, traditionally regarded as the maternal home of Goddess Sita.

Mahant Roshan Das expressed concern over the alleged donation theft, describing the development as deeply distressing. He said such an incident had never been associated with a temple dedicated to Lord Ram and urged strict action against those found responsible. A delegation from Janakpur is expected to visit Ayodhya during the holy month of Shravan to offer prayers and express solidarity.

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the matter next week, the donation theft case continues to raise questions about financial oversight, security and administrative management at one of India's most prominent religious sites.

The investigation into the alleged theft of donations from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Trust has intensified, with Uttar Pradesh Police claiming that a portion of the misappropriated funds was invested in the stock market and routed through the bank accounts of relatives and close associates.

Investigators on Thursday took one of the accused, Anukalp Mishra, to his residence in Ayodhya as part of the ongoing probe. Police searched the premises for around 20 minutes and questioned family members, though officials have not disclosed whether any additional evidence was recovered during the operation.

According to police sources, Anukalp allegedly admitted during interrogation that he and co-accused Avinash Shukla invested a significant portion of the stolen donation money in the stock market. The accused are also alleged to have lent money on interest and transferred funds through the bank accounts of relatives before routing the money back into their own accounts in an attempt to conceal the financial trail.

Thirty Bank Accounts Frozen

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has frozen 30 bank accounts linked to the accused and their family members after investigators found financial transactions that were allegedly disproportionate to their known sources of income.

The move is part of a broader effort to trace the movement of funds and identify the complete money trail. Police officials are examining banking records and digital transactions to determine the total amount allegedly diverted from temple donations.

On Wednesday, police had similarly taken co-accused Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey to their residences for searches. All three accused were subsequently placed on 40-hour police remand for further questioning.

Investigators also recovered forged donation receipts during the searches, which are expected to play a key role in establishing how the alleged fraud was carried out.

Political Reactions Intensify

The case has sparked a fresh political confrontation in Uttar Pradesh.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav termed the alleged theft of temple donations a "grave sin" and accused the Special Investigation Team of attempting to cover up the matter.

Addressing reporters, Yadav claimed that questions had also been raised over the SIT itself, alleging that one of its members was facing a cheating case under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code. He further alleged that complaints raised by the Opposition were not being taken seriously.

Yadav also demanded a detailed examination of call detail records (CDRs) linked to individuals associated with the temple's donation management system.

BJP Defends Investigation

The Bharatiya Janata Party rejected the Opposition's allegations, asserting that the state government had acted swiftly after the irregularities surfaced.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Manoj Pandey said the government had ordered an investigation immediately and assured that those found guilty would face strict action.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Manan Kumar Mishra also criticised the Opposition for politicising the issue, stating that an SIT had already been constituted, FIRs had been registered and arrests had been made. He said the law would take its course regardless of the stature of those involved.

Congress Seeks Greater Accountability

Congress leaders also demanded greater transparency in the management of temple donations.

MP Imran Masood suggested that the Ram Temple Trust should be administered on the lines of the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board if financial irregularities were established. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari questioned how senior officials associated with the Trust could escape scrutiny if the allegations proved true.

Meanwhile, Trust member Mahant Dinendra Das expressed confidence in the state administration and said those responsible would not be spared.

Trust Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri said new safeguards had already been introduced in the donation counting process and expressed confidence that similar incidents would not recur.

Investigation Continues

Police officials continue to examine financial records, electronic evidence and recovered documents as the investigation expands. Authorities have indicated that further arrests or financial action could follow if additional links emerge during the probe.

The investigation into the alleged theft of donation money at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya gathered pace on Wednesday after police took three accused into 40-hour custody remand for questioning. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is also widening its probe by examining expenditure related to major events organised by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, while political reactions continue to mount over the case.

The three accused—Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra and Karunesh Pandey—were taken into remand after a police team reached Faizabad Jail early Wednesday morning. Officials escorted them to the Police Lines, where they will be questioned regarding the alleged misappropriation of donation funds collected at the temple.

CCTV Footage Forms Key Evidence

According to the SIT's preliminary findings, CCTV footage allegedly shows the three accused pocketing currency notes from donation collections. Investigators are examining the footage along with other documentary and forensic evidence to determine the extent of the alleged embezzlement and identify whether additional individuals were involved.

The remand is expected to help investigators reconstruct the sequence of events and verify the role of each accused.

Trust Finances Under Scrutiny

As part of the ongoing investigation, the SIT has begun reviewing financial records related to major religious events organised by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Officials are scrutinising bills, vouchers and expenditure documents connected with the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony held on January 22, 2024, and the flag-hoisting ceremony organised on November 25, 2025.

According to records under examination, approximately ₹113 crore was spent on the consecration ceremony, which was attended by nearly 8,000 guests, while around ₹10.12 crore was spent on the flag-hoisting event. Investigators are verifying whether financial procedures were properly followed during these programmes.

Champat Rai Meets Trust Treasurer

Meanwhile, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri met Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, who has been staying in seclusion at Teerth Kshetra Puram near the Ram Mandir complex.

On Tuesday, Rai publicly denied all allegations through a written statement, asserting that the accusations against him were baseless and that he had no involvement in any financial irregularities.

Political Reactions Intensify

The case has triggered sharp political reactions across party lines.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Gulab Devi said the state government would ensure strict action against everyone found guilty, irrespective of their influence or position. She stated that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's decision to constitute an inquiry panel reflected the government's commitment to transparency and accountability.

Congress MP Rajeev Shukla questioned the scope of the investigation, arguing that action against only junior staff would be insufficient. He demanded that responsibility be fixed at the highest level if evidence warranted such action and suggested that temple administration should involve a broader representation of religious leaders.

Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav also criticised the investigation process, alleging that the SIT had been constituted before the FIR was registered and claiming that no senior Trust functionary had been named in the case so far.

Investigation Continues

Police officials have not disclosed further details of the interrogation strategy, citing the ongoing investigation. The SIT is expected to continue examining financial documents, digital evidence and witness statements over the coming days to establish whether the alleged theft was an isolated incident or part of a larger conspiracy.

Authorities have maintained that the investigation is being conducted based on evidence and that appropriate legal action will be taken against anyone found responsible.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of donations at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir has identified nearly 70 suspicious incidents during a preliminary investigation into the counting of offerings made by devotees.

According to the report submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government, CCTV footage recorded between April 27 and June 5 allegedly shows several employees concealing bundles of currency notes inside their pockets, clothes, shoes and socks while working in the donation counting room.

The report was submitted on Monday night, shortly after a meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in which the resignations of senior functionaries Champat Rai and Dr Anil Mishra were accepted.

Security and counting process under scanner

The SIT has held Dr Anil Mishra responsible for major procedural and security lapses in the donation counting system. Investigators said he was overseeing financial management, cash collection operations and coordination related to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling donations.

The report noted that information regarding employees not being properly searched had already reached him through internal channels, but no effective corrective orders were issued.

Among the shortcomings identified by the SIT were:

• Absence of biometric attendance for staff

• Lack of mandatory uniforms

• Employees carrying personal belongings into the counting room

• Improper records of donation boxes and collected cash

• Weak daily reporting and monitoring mechanisms

Investigators said these gaps created opportunities for repeated theft of donations.

Six employees named in report

The SIT said preliminary evidence directly links six accused employees to the alleged thefts:

• Avinash Shukla

• Anukalp Mishra

• Lavkush Mishra

• Manish Kumar Yadav

• Karunesh Pandey

• Ramashankar Mishra

Based on CCTV footage, recovery of cash and examination of bank transactions, the SIT recommended prosecution under provisions related to theft, criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and conspiracy.

A case was subsequently registered on the complaint of trustee Krishna Mohan, and the accused have been arrested and sent to judicial custody.

Large cash recovery from accused

Police sources said accused Avinash Shukla allegedly confessed to spending a significant portion of the stolen money on family members and personal expenses.

Investigators recovered:

• ₹20.39 lakh in cash

• 1,121 US dollars

• Gold jewellery

• Silver ornaments

• A car allegedly purchased using the proceeds

The SIT is also examining property transactions and fixed deposits linked to the accused and their relatives.

Counting room key issue

Another serious concern highlighted in the report relates to Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu, who allegedly kept the keys of the donation box counting room without any formal written authorisation.

The SIT further stated that Tinnu had recommended the appointment of Manish Kumar Yadav for counting work, and Manish was later found allegedly involved in the theft.

Trust meeting and ongoing investigation

The preliminary report was submitted to the government on June 23 by the three-member SIT comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Lucknow Range IG Kiran S and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan.

Investigators have clarified that the current findings are only preliminary and that the probe is continuing into:

• Additional security failures

• Possible involvement of other individuals

• Responsibility of officials

• Systemic weaknesses in donation management

• Measures needed to prevent future thefts

A final report with detailed recommendations is expected to be submitted after completion of the investigation.