Ram Temple Donation Theft: Ayodhya Tightens Counting Rules After Alleged Embezzlement; Eight Arrested

Authorities at the Ram Temple have introduced stricter procedures for counting devotees' donations following an alleged theft involving several lakh rupees. The revised system aims to improve transparency and prevent any future misappropriation of offerings.

According to the investigation, most of the alleged embezzlement took place during the donation-counting process. Eight people have been arrested in connection with the case so far.

Key Details

• Donation counting process overhauled: Authorities have replaced the existing cash-counting system with stricter procedures after the alleged theft of devotees' offerings came to light.
• Cash to be counted on the floor: Under the revised protocol, currency notes will no longer be counted on tables or chairs. Instead, all cash will be counted on a plywood-covered floor to ensure the money remains fully visible throughout the process and cannot be concealed.
• Stricter rules for temple staff: Temple staff involved in counting donations have been instructed not to speak to one another while on duty. Employees taking frequent breaks, including washroom visits, will be closely monitored. Their movement has also been restricted, and they will not be permitted to spend extended periods in the canteen during working hours.
• Continuous CCTV monitoring: The entire donation-counting room has been placed under comprehensive CCTV surveillance. Personnel assigned to monitor the cameras have been instructed not to leave their seats while on duty, ensuring uninterrupted supervision of the counting process.
• Measures aimed at improving transparency: Temple authorities said the revised procedures are intended to ensure complete transparency in handling devotees' donations and prevent any recurrence of the alleged theft.

Investigation

• SIT granted additional time: The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is investigating the case, visited the Ram Temple premises on 3 July as part of its ongoing inquiry. The Uttar Pradesh government has granted the SIT an additional 15 days to complete its investigation, allowing officers to widen the scope of the probe.
• Timeline of the case
  • 23 June: SIT submitted its preliminary report.
  • 25 June: An FIR was registered based on the preliminary findings.
  • Eight arrests: Eight people have been arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement.

Trust officials resign

Following the arrests, Ram Temple Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and former trustee Anil Mishra resigned, taking moral responsibility for the alleged misappropriation of devotees' donations.

Political reaction

The alleged embezzlement has triggered a political controversy in Uttar Pradesh, with Opposition parties criticising the ruling BJP over the case. The state government has maintained that a transparent investigation is underway.

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma said the state government acted promptly after the allegations surfaced. He said the Chief Minister ordered an SIT investigation and urged the public to have faith in the inquiry.

State Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad said the government was taking strict action against corruption and, unlike previous administrations, was not attempting to suppress the case.