Eight people, including cash-counting staff and a former bank official, have been arrested in the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation embezzlement case. Police registered an FIR after alleged theft of donations was captured on CCTV, triggering a detailed investigation into the suspected conspiracy.
In a major development in the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case, police have arrested all eight individuals named in the First Information Report (FIR) over accusations of siphoning off donations and offerings made by devotees at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The arrests follow an investigation launched after allegations surfaced that cash and valuables offered at the temple were being misappropriated during the counting process.
The FIR was registered following a formal complaint submitted by Shri Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust. According to investigators, the accused were entrusted with handling and counting donations received from devotees. Authorities allege that the group exploited their positions to embezzle temple offerings.
Those arrested have been identified as Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Rama Shankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav. Police claim that CCTV footage allegedly captured members of the group diverting cash and valuables during the counting process, prompting a criminal investigation.
Among the accused, Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav has emerged as the central figure in the case. Reports suggest that he previously worked as a driver for Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust General Secretary Champat Rai. His association with senior temple functionaries has attracted significant public attention. However, allegations circulating on social media regarding the diversion of ₹50 crore for personal assets have not been established in court, and investigators have not publicly confirmed such claims. Tinnu Yadav has denied wrongdoing.
Investigators allege that Tinnu Yadav had extensive access to donation boxes and cash handling procedures. Sources claim he possessed keys to donation boxes and exercised considerable control over the collection and counting process. These allegations remain under investigation.
Another accused, Rama Shankar Mishra, is alleged to have played an important role in the counting of temple donations. Police claim that he involved his son, Anukalp Mishra, and son-in-law, Lavkush Mishra, in the cash-counting operation. Investigators suspect that the three worked together in an alleged conspiracy to misappropriate temple funds.
Lavkush Mishra is also under scrutiny after investigators reportedly recovered cash during searches conducted at his residence. Police believe he acted as an important link in allegedly transferring and concealing misappropriated donations. His exact role will be determined during the ongoing investigation.
Anukalp Mishra, son of Rama Shankar Mishra, has likewise been accused of participating in the alleged conspiracy. Investigators are examining his activities and possible connections with other individuals involved in the donation management process.
Avinash Shukla, an attendant associated with the Ram Temple, has also been arrested. According to reports, investigators allegedly recovered approximately ₹5 lakh from his bank account during the inquiry. Authorities are examining whether the money has any connection with the alleged embezzlement.
Manish Kumar Yadav, a nephew of Tinnu Yadav, is also among those arrested. Police reportedly recovered suspected stolen cash from his residence and allege that he participated in the donation counting operation.
Former bank employee Subhash Srivastava has been identified as the supervisor of the temple’s cash-counting staff. Investigators allege that he played a significant role in overseeing the counting process and are examining whether he facilitated the alleged embezzlement.
Karunesh Pandey, another accused in the case, is alleged to have manipulated donation receipts in an attempt to conceal irregularities. Police claim that documentation associated with temple donations is being scrutinised as part of the investigation.
The investigation has also drawn attention to the role of the State Bank of India, which had been authorised to count cash, offerings and valuables received at the Ram Temple. At present, there is no allegation against the bank itself. Investigators are instead focusing on the actions of individuals entrusted with the counting process.
Police officials have stated that further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the alleged embezzlement, identify any additional persons involved and establish the total value of funds or valuables allegedly misappropriated. Authorities are also examining financial records, CCTV footage and seized documents.
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The arrests mark a significant step in one of the most closely watched investigations involving the management of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. The accused will face legal proceedings, and their guilt or innocence will ultimately be determined by the courts. As the investigation continues, officials have assured devotees that appropriate measures will be taken to safeguard the integrity and transparency of the temple’s donation management system.
