Ram Temple Donation Theft: Accused's Lifestyle Under Scrutiny, Raids Conducted
Police have raided the homes of eight accused in the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case, recovering nearly ₹80 lakh. The investigation is examining suspects' significantly changed lifestyles and alleged embezzlement of offerings, leading to resignations of key trust officials and a deepening SIT probe.
Key Highlights
- Eight accused arrested in Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case.
- Police recovered nearly ₹80 lakh cash from seven of the accused.
- Simultaneous raids conducted at accused's homes to trace money trail.
- Accused's alleged changed lifestyle, including new properties, under scrutiny.
- Ram Temple Trust officials Champat Rai and Anil Mishra resigned on moral grounds.
- SIT probe uncovers lapses in donation handling and alleged 70 thefts in 39 days.
The sacred Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra in Ayodhya has been rocked by allegations of large-scale donation theft, leading to a high-profile investigation that has seen the arrest of eight individuals and the resignation of senior trust officials. The case, which has garnered significant national attention, involves the alleged embezzlement of cash and valuables offered by millions of devotees to the revered Ram Temple.
On Sunday, June 28, 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Police intensified their probe by conducting simultaneous raids at the residences of all eight arrested accused in Ayodhya. These raids, carried out by police teams accompanied by local magistrates and revenue officials, were aimed at gathering evidence, assessing financial assets, and tracing the money trail to determine if misappropriated funds were used to acquire properties or other valuables. Investigations have revealed that nearly ₹79.85 lakh in cash has been recovered from seven of the eight arrested individuals. The accused are identified as Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu, Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey, Manish Kumar Yadav, Lavkush Mishra, Ram Shankar Mishra, and Subhash Srivastava.
A key aspect of the investigation revolves around the allegedly changed lifestyles of the accused. Reports suggest that some individuals, who previously came from modest financial backgrounds, experienced a significant improvement in their financial condition after beginning their association with the Ram Temple Trust. For instance, Anukalp Mishra's aunt, Neha Mishra, reportedly told investigators that her family's financial situation was humble before Anukalp started working with the trust, and their lifestyle dramatically changed thereafter. Allegations include the purchase of a house in Ayodhya for approximately ₹65 lakh, a farmhouse on the outskirts of the village, and a Mahindra Scorpio SUV by Anukalp Mishra. Another accused, Lavkush Mishra, who previously held a low-paying job, is alleged to have purchased a plot worth around ₹40 lakh in Ayodhya, where a substantial house is now under construction. Investigators are meticulously verifying these acquisitions and the sources of funds used for such purchases.
The Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13, 2026, at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust itself, following initial allegations of donation theft. The SIT's preliminary report highlighted significant lapses and inadequate supervision in the handling, maintenance, and counting of donated cash and valuables. The probe examined donation collection, counting, and storage procedures, scrutinized financial records, and recorded statements from around 150 people associated with the temple administration. It found that standard operating procedures (SOPs), which included guidelines for counting staff to wear pocket-less clothes, undergo regular frisking, and have security guards deployed, were not consistently followed. There are also allegations of unauthorized access to donation box keys. Investigators are looking into potential systemic lapses in supervision, security, and record-keeping, with one report indicating up to 70 alleged thefts over 39 days between April 27 and the first week of June.
The FIR in the case was registered on Thursday, June 25, 2026, based on the SIT's preliminary findings and a complaint lodged by Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The accused have been booked under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including theft by a servant, criminal breach of trust, dishonestly receiving stolen property, and criminal conspiracy, along with sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The total estimated amount allegedly siphoned off is speculated to be much higher, with some sources suggesting between ₹7 crore and ₹7.5 crore may be missing from temple donations.
Amid the escalating controversy, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra submitted their resignations on 'moral grounds' on June 26, 2026. The trust has confirmed receiving these resignations and stated that they would be considered at its next meeting, reaffirming its commitment to a fair and impartial investigation. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, has vowed that no guilty person will be spared, emphasizing the importance of upholding public faith.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities suggesting that more individuals could come under scrutiny as financial and forensic examinations continue. The incident has sparked nationwide concern, raising serious questions about accountability, transparency, and the overall management of donations at one of India's most significant religious sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ram Temple donation theft case about?
The Ram Temple donation theft case involves the alleged embezzlement of cash and valuables donated by devotees to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra in Ayodhya. An investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has led to the arrest of eight individuals involved in handling donations.
Who are the main accused in the Ram Temple donation theft case?
Eight individuals have been arrested and named in the FIR, including Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu, Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey, Manish Kumar Yadav, Lavkush Mishra, Ram Shankar Mishra, and Subhash Srivastava. They were primarily involved in counting and handling donations.
What evidence supports the 'changed lifestyle' claim of the accused?
Police investigations and statements from family members and neighbors indicate that some accused, like Anukalp Mishra, acquired properties, a farmhouse, and vehicles, significantly improving their lifestyle after joining the trust's operations, despite previous modest backgrounds.
What is the role of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in this case?
The SIT, formed by the Uttar Pradesh government, is investigating the alleged financial irregularities, including lapses in donation collection, counting, storage procedures, and adherence to standard operating procedures. Its preliminary report led to the FIR and arrests.
Have any officials from the Ram Temple Trust resigned?
Yes, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra have offered their resignations on 'moral grounds' amidst the ongoing controversy, which the trust has confirmed receiving.