Eight people named in a case related to alleged embezzlement of donations and valuables at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya have been arrested by police, officials confirmed on Friday, according to PTI.
The arrests came shortly after a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted its preliminary findings to the Uttar Pradesh government, raising concerns about possible irregularities in the handling of temple donations.
FIR Based on Trust Complaint
Police said the FIR was registered at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station on Thursday evening after a complaint by Krishna Mohan, associated with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The accused have been identified as Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu, Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Manish Yadav, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Chandra Srivastava and Karunesh Pandey. They have been booked under sections related to theft, cheating, criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police sources said the accused were involved in the counting and handling of cash and valuables donated by devotees at the temple. They are accused of misappropriating funds collected from donation boxes installed on the temple premises.
A senior police official told PTI, “Further questioning is underway. The accused will be produced before a magistrate.”
SIT Investigation and Findings
The investigation began after allegations surfaced on June 13, prompting the formation of a three-member SIT headed by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant. The team also included senior officials from the police and finance department.
The SIT examined records related to donation collection, cash handling, storage systems and surveillance. It also questioned temple staff and officials involved in the management process.
Sources said the probe will now move into the criminal prosecution stage, with investigators reviewing financial records and tracing the alleged diversion of funds. Authorities also indicated that more arrests and additional charges are possible as the case progresses.
No Direct Link to Senior Trust Officials Yet
Police clarified that the FIR does not name senior members of the temple trust, including General Secretary Champat Rai and others who were earlier questioned during the inquiry.
Officials said their role is still under examination, and the investigation remains open.
Religious Leaders Demand Strict Action
The case has drawn strong reactions from religious leaders in Ayodhya.
Spiritual orator Karpatri Maharaj expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation, saying, “I am not satisfied with the SIT probe. I urge Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take strict action and ensure such people are removed from Ayodhya.”
Saket Bhawan Peethadhishwar Sitaram Das Ji Maharaj also called for swift legal action, stating, “If anyone is found guilty, strict punishment should be given so that an example is set.”
Hanuman Garhi priest Rameshdas Maharaj said the legal process must take its course, adding, “Those who have committed wrongdoing will be punished by the court.”
