Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Probe Widens as Police Investigate Alleged Embezzlement, Bribery Claims, and ‘Ram Rajya’ Fund Angle
SIT expands investigation into alleged misuse of temple donations as police examine appointment irregularities, hidden cash trails, and the role of former Trust officials.
The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple has expanded significantly, with Uttar Pradesh Police and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing not only the suspected theft of devotees’ offerings but also allegations of bribery in staff appointments and the possible diversion of funds linked to the temple’s ‘Ram Rajya’ initiative. Authorities describe the inquiry as one of the most extensive financial investigations involving the temple since its inauguration.
According to investigators, the probe began after allegations surfaced that cash donated by devotees was being siphoned off during the counting process. Police have arrested multiple accused, including personnel responsible for handling donations, and recovered substantial amounts of cash, gold, silver, foreign currency, and donation-related material. Investigators say the recovery so far exceeds ₹77 lakh, with one accused, Avinash Shukla, accounting for the largest recovered amount of approximately ₹20.39 lakh.
Police claim preliminary interrogation revealed that stolen cash was allegedly concealed inside washrooms within the temple complex before being smuggled out. Investigators say the accused exploited CCTV blind spots to avoid detection, prompting authorities to examine whether others may have assisted in the operation. The SIT is now reviewing surveillance systems, cash-handling procedures, and security protocols.
The investigation has also widened to include allegations that bribes may have been paid in exchange for appointments within the temple administration. Police are examining the possible involvement of a Trust member and reviewing recruitment-related records to determine whether financial irregularities extended beyond donation management into staffing decisions. Officials have not announced any findings on these allegations, saying the inquiry is ongoing.
Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai has been questioned by the SIT regarding the donation collection, counting, custody, and banking process. According to investigators, Rai’s statement was recorded as part of the fact-finding exercise. Police have declined to disclose details of the questioning, describing the proceedings as confidential. Rai has denied any involvement in the alleged embezzlement and has maintained that it was his complaint that led to the exposure of the suspected theft.
Responding publicly to allegations, Champat Rai said that hidden surveillance measures had been introduced inside the donation counting area to detect irregularities. According to reports, he claimed that strategically placed cameras helped expose suspicious activity, ultimately leading to the identification of those allegedly involved in the theft. Investigators are examining the surveillance footage as part of the evidence.
The SIT is also investigating the financial trail connected to the temple’s ‘Ram Rajya’ fund after questions emerged about whether donations earmarked for specific purposes were properly accounted for. Officials are scrutinizing accounting records, bank deposits, digital payment systems, and internal documentation to establish whether funds were diverted or misused. No official conclusion has yet been reached regarding the ‘Ram Rajya’ fund.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has reiterated that it supports a fair and transparent investigation and has assured devotees that the temple’s donations remain secure. The Trust previously confirmed the resignations of Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, stating that the move was intended to ensure an impartial inquiry while preserving public confidence in the institution.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has granted the SIT an additional 15 days to complete its investigation, indicating that authorities expect further examination of financial records, witness statements, and recovered evidence before submitting a final report. Officials have emphasized that no conclusions should be drawn until the investigation is complete and responsibility is determined through due legal process.
