Ram Mandir Donation Scam: SIT investigation in Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation theft case, 8 accused arrested, Rs 79.8 lakh recovered. Investigation intensified under the supervision of Supreme Court, big questions on donation management and transparency.
Ram Mandir Donation Scam: The case of alleged irregularities in the donations offered by devotees in Ayodhya Ram temple is one of the most talked about cases in the country. This matter is not limited to theft only, but also raises big questions on the temple’s donation management, security arrangements, accountability and transparency. The Uttar Pradesh government formed a SIT to investigate the case, all the named accused were arrested and now the Supreme Court is also monitoring the case.
What is Ram temple donation theft case?
It is alleged that during the counting of cash donations and other offerings made by the devotees in the Ram temple, some employees and people associated with them stole the amount in a planned manner. Initial investigation claimed that this alleged disturbance continued for several days. The matter came to light when the temple trust suspected something wrong in counting donations. After this, inputs were collected at the internal level and this information was given to the Uttar Pradesh government.
How was SIT formed in Ram Temple donation theft case?
The Uttar Pradesh government constituted a 3-member SIT in June 2026 on the request of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The SIT examined the CCTV footage, cash counting process, role of employees and records for several days. In the initial report, the role of many people was described as suspicious, after which an FIR was registered.
What has happened so far in the Ram Temple donation theft case?
- Suspicion arose that something was wrong in the donation to the Trust.
- UP government formed SIT.
- SIT submitted the initial report to the UP government.
- Based on the report FIR was registered.
- All 8 named accused were arrested.
- Cash worth lakhs of rupees was recovered.
- Two senior officials of the trust resigned.
- The matter reached the Supreme Court.
- The Supreme Court sought a status report from the SIT and sought responses from the Centre, Uttar Pradesh government and the Trust.
Who has been arrested so far in the Ram Temple donation theft case?
Police arrested all the 8 accused named in the FIR. According to the report, these include the employees counting donations in the temple and people associated with them. The main names among these are-
- Avinash Shukla (main accused)
- Anukalp Mishra
- Ramshankar Yadav
- Karunesh Pandey
- Subhash Chandra Srivastava
- Lavkush Mishra
- And 2 other accused who have also been arrested.
Who is the main accused in the Ram Temple donation theft case?
According to the initial report of SIT, Avinash Shukla has been named accused number-1. According to the report, evidence has been found of his central role in the entire system of alleged embezzlement. The investigating agencies are also probing his bank accounts, properties and other financial transactions.
How much cash has been recovered so far in the Ram Temple donation theft case?
Police and investigating agencies have recovered approximately Rs 79.8 lakh from the arrested accused. Some reports also said that the trust had recovered some cash even before the investigation started. However, investigation is going on regarding the total amount.
What did the Supreme Court say in the Ram Temple donation theft case?
The Supreme Court considered this matter serious and sought answers from the UP government. Asked for detailed status report from SIT. Asked for information about the composition of SIT. Notice issued to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. A reply was also sought from the Central Government. In some petitions, there has also been a demand for CBI investigation and investigation under court supervision, on which the Supreme Court has sought reply from the concerned parties.
What did the Uttar Pradesh government do in the Ram Temple donation theft case?
The state government constituted SIT. FIR lodged after initial report. All the named accused were arrested. Instructions were given to speed up the investigation. The government says – strict action will be taken against the culprits.
What steps did the Trust take in the Ram Temple donation theft case?
After the controversy, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust took several steps.
- General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra resigned from their posts.
- Process to appoint professional CEO started.
- Emphasis on making the donation management system more transparent.
Now the most important phase of investigation has started. Police-SIT is investigating the bank records, assets, digital evidence, CCTV footage and financial transactions of the accused. After the intervention of the Supreme Court, the people of the country are keeping an eye on the transparency of the investigation. The final result will depend on the evidence presented in the court and the investigation report.