The Ram Temple donation scam in Ayodhya deepened after Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra resigned amid the multi-crore embezzlement probe. Eight accused remain in judicial custody as investigators examine alleged banking links and an organised temple donation racket.
The alleged multi-crore Ram Temple donation scam in Ayodhya has taken a dramatic turn after two senior members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust stepped down from their positions amid mounting scrutiny over the handling of devotees’ offerings. Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and Trust member Anil Mishra resigned on Friday, citing moral responsibility as investigations into the alleged embezzlement of temple donations intensified.
Their resignations came shortly after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) reportedly submitted preliminary findings that highlighted significant lapses in the management and monitoring of cash donations received at the Ram Temple. The development has sparked widespread public debate over financial accountability and governance within one of India’s most prominent religious institutions.
Meanwhile, all eight accused who were arrested earlier in connection with the alleged scam have been remanded to judicial custody. Investigators believe the misappropriation of temple donations may not have been an isolated incident but rather part of a well-organised network that allegedly siphoned off devotees’ contributions over several years.
According to sources associated with the investigation, authorities are now examining financial records, donation handling procedures, and banking transactions to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud. Investigators suspect that the operation may have involved multiple individuals working in coordination both inside and outside the temple administration.
At the centre of the investigation is Ramshankar Yadav, popularly known as Tinnu. A former driver of Champat Rai, Tinnu is alleged to have enjoyed considerable access to the temple administration. Investigators believe he may have exploited his position to manipulate the collection and processing of devotees’ donations.
While Tinnu’s reported proximity to senior Trust officials has raised questions regarding administrative oversight, investigators have not publicly presented evidence linking either Champat Rai or Anil Mishra directly to the alleged financial irregularities. Their resignations are nevertheless being viewed as a significant accountability measure while the investigation continues.
The probe has also widened to include current and former banking personnel involved in the counting and processing of temple donations. Investigators are examining whether banking procedures were manipulated to facilitate the diversion of funds before they were officially recorded.
Among those under scrutiny is retired bank employee Subhash Srivastava, who allegedly supervised cash-counting operations connected with temple donations. Investigators claim he coordinated staff assignments and may have played a role in facilitating the alleged diversion of funds. During questioning, some of the arrested accused reportedly identified additional banking officials who may have assisted in the operation.
The State Bank of India had been authorised to manage the counting and processing of cash offerings made by devotees at the Ram Temple. Investigators are now reviewing whether established banking protocols were bypassed or manipulated to enable the alleged embezzlement. Authorities have indicated that more officials could face questioning or legal action if evidence of collusion emerges during the investigation.
The alleged donation scam has generated significant public concern because of the religious and national importance of the Ram Temple. Devotees across the country have demanded complete transparency in the handling of temple donations and strict action against anyone found responsible for financial misconduct.
Officials involved in the investigation have stated that forensic examination of financial records and digital evidence remains ongoing. The Special Investigation Team is expected to submit further reports as investigators continue tracing the movement of funds and identifying all individuals allegedly involved.
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With senior Trust officials stepping aside and the investigation expanding to banking personnel, the Ram Temple donation scam has entered a critical phase. Authorities say the probe will continue until every aspect of the alleged financial irregularities is thoroughly examined and accountability is established under the law.
