Probe into Ram Mandir Donation Theft

July 1, 2026

It has become evident that theft and misappropriation have occurred regarding the offerings worth crores of rupees made by devotees at the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram.

The Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), and upon receiving its report within eight days, registered an FIR against and arrested eight individuals responsible for counting and overseeing the donations. Raids were conducted at their homes on Sunday. Approximately Rs 80 lakh in cash, along with some valuables and property documents, have been recovered so far.

Shri Ram Mandir Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and another trustee, Anil Mishra, resigned. On Monday, former office-bearers Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rai were questioned regarding the donation theft case.

There is an outcry that only “small fish” have been targeted while the “big masterminds” are being shielded. The father of Lavkush—one of the eight accused—has filed a petition arguing that no action has been taken against the powerful figures involved; the law should apply equally to everyone.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has declined an immediate hearing on the alleged irregularities concerning donations at the Shri Ram Mandir. However, the Court advised the petitioner to submit a letter to the Court Registry explaining why an urgent hearing is necessary; the Court may then consider the request for an early hearing. The petitioner argued that if the hearing were delayed until after the court holidays, electronic records and other crucial evidence could be tampered with—a concern that formed the basis for the request for an early hearing. There was also a demand for the investigation to be conducted by a CBI-led special team. In response, the Court stated that a formal letter regarding urgency must be submitted first, after which a decision could be taken.

Devotees across the country hold deep faith in Lord Ram and desire a transparent resolution to the matter. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has pledged this, and the public wishes to see that promise fulfilled. Meanwhile, a surging tide of public devotion continues to swell in Ayodhya.

The atmosphere of devotion and worship in Ayodhya’s temples remains exactly as it was prior to this episode, and the crowds of devotees at the ghats remain undiminished.

In our view, regardless of politics or partisan loyalties, if those responsible for managing the temple have been negligent in their duties or have attempted to line their own pockets, their true faces must be unmasked. Anyone guilty of striking a blow against the faith should be brought to justice without hesitation or prevarication.