Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Scam: Police Raid Homes of Eight Accused
Ayodhya police conducted widespread raids on the residences of eight individuals arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations for the Ram Temple. The arrests followed a SIT probe flagging financial irregularities, leading to the recovery of over ₹79 lakh and significant political controversy.
Key Highlights
- Police raided homes of eight individuals arrested in Ayodhya donation scam.
- Accused involved in handling temple donations face theft and conspiracy charges.
- SIT initiated probe after allegations of financial irregularities surfaced.
- Over ₹79 lakh cash recovered; two Trust officials resigned over controversy.
- Political leaders have called for transparent investigation amidst public outcry.
In a significant development in the ongoing Ayodhya Ram Temple donation embezzlement case, the Uttar Pradesh Police conducted simultaneous raids on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the residences of all eight individuals arrested in connection with the alleged financial irregularities. The coordinated operation, which began around 7 AM, saw multiple police teams accompanied by local magistrates carrying out extensive searches and questioning family members across various locations in Ayodhya.
The controversy first gained traction around June 7, 2026, when Samajwadi Party leaders raised allegations of misappropriation of donations, with initial estimates ranging from ₹5 crore to ₹7.5 crore being siphoned off from temple offerings. These claims quickly escalated into a major political slugfest, drawing criticism from opposition parties who demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe and the dissolution of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Responding to the gravity of the allegations, the Uttar Pradesh government, at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13 or 14, 2026. The SIT conducted a preliminary inquiry between June 15 and 20, flagging prima facie irregularities in the handling of cash and valuables offered by devotees. Following the SIT's preliminary report, an FIR was registered on June 25, 2026, against eight named individuals and other unidentified persons under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
All eight accused were subsequently arrested on June 26, 2026, and remanded in judicial custody until June 29. The arrested individuals have been identified as Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu (a close aide of Trust General Secretary Champat Rai), Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Manish Yadav, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Chandra Srivastava, and Karunesh Pandey. These individuals were primarily associated with the counting and handling of cash and valuables donated by devotees through the temple's donation boxes. Some were outsourced staff from a Varanasi-based security firm, while others had family connections to temple trust officials, highlighting potential vetting lapses.
During the ongoing investigation, police have reportedly recovered over ₹79 lakh (some sources state ₹79.85 lakh or ₹79.80 lakh) in cash allegedly linked to the embezzled funds. There have also been reports of gold, silver, and foreign currency being recovered from the residences of multiple accused individuals. The police are scrutinizing bank accounts and recent property acquisitions of the accused and their relatives. In one instance, the Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) served a notice for unauthorized construction to the wife of accused Lavkush Mishra. The alleged modus operandi involved concealing cash in temple washrooms and gradually smuggling it out.
The controversy also led to significant internal repercussions within the temple trust. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra tendered their resignations, taking moral responsibility for the alleged irregularities. A crucial meeting of the temple trust was convened around July 5-6, 2026, to discuss these resignations, review the SIT's interim findings, and potentially make new administrative arrangements. Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the Trust President, expressed deep distress over the theft and demanded the strictest punishment for those responsible, urging against politicization of the matter. The SIT has been granted an extension to broaden the scope of its inquiry and conduct a comprehensive investigation, with authorities continuing to collect evidence and question those involved, including private security personnel and bank staff. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has also weighed in, asking Ayodhya Police to question opposition leaders who made public allegations, seeking evidence to support their claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation case about?
The Ayodhya Ram Temple donation case involves allegations of large-scale embezzlement and financial irregularities in the handling of donations collected for the construction of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. An SIT investigation has been launched, leading to arrests and significant cash recoveries.
Who has been arrested in connection with the donation scam?
Eight individuals have been arrested in the case. They have been identified as Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu, Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Manish Yadav, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Chandra Srivastava, and Karunesh Pandey. These individuals were mainly involved in the process of counting and managing the temple's donations.
What is the role of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in this case?
A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed by the Uttar Pradesh government, at the request of the Ram Temple Trust itself, to investigate the allegations of financial irregularities. The SIT's preliminary report highlighted prima facie irregularities, which led to the registration of an FIR and subsequent arrests.
Have any high-ranking officials of the Ram Temple Trust resigned?
Yes, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra tendered their resignations amid the controversy, taking moral responsibility for the alleged irregularities. A crucial Trust meeting was held to discuss these resignations and further administrative steps.
How much money has been recovered in the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation scam?
As per investigators, over ₹79 lakh (₹79.85 lakh or ₹79.80 lakh) in cash allegedly linked to the embezzled donations has been recovered. There are also reports of gold, silver, and foreign currency being seized during raids at the accused's residences.
