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.