Ram Temple Donation Scam: Eight Accused Arrested Over Alleged Financial Irregularities

All eight accused in a case involving alleged irregularities in donations to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya have been arrested, following the registration of an FIR by Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday. The arrests were made on Friday after an initial investigation into suspected financial misconduct linked to the handling and distribution of temple donations. Authorities said the probe is still in its early stages and is expected to expand further as investigators examine the scale of the alleged irregularities and the involvement of individuals with direct access to donation funds.

The case was filed based on a complaint by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the official body responsible for managing the Ram Temple. The FIR names Ramashankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu, an aide to the trust’s general secretary Champat Rai, along with seven other individuals. Police officials confirmed that Yadav is among those arrested and is being questioned regarding his alleged role in the collection, handling and movement of donations. Investigators are also looking into whether established financial protocols were followed during the donation process.

According to police officials, the other individuals arrested in connection with the case include Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey, Manish Yadav, Lavkush Mishra, Ramashankar Mishra and Subhash Srivastava, a retired bank employee who was reportedly responsible for counting donations. Authorities are currently examining their respective roles in the alleged irregularities, including how funds were recorded, processed and accounted for. Officials said the investigation will focus on identifying any financial discrepancies and determining whether there was a coordinated effort to siphon or misappropriate temple donations.

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The FIR was registered shortly after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted its preliminary findings, which recommended criminal action in the matter. The SIT report reportedly pointed to possible irregularities that warranted further legal scrutiny, prompting the police to initiate formal proceedings. The case gained public attention after allegations were first raised by Samajwadi Party leader Tej Narayan Pandey, who accused certain individuals associated with the temple administration of financial misconduct, triggering demands for a thorough investigation.

As the investigation continues, police officials have indicated that the probe may widen to include additional individuals and deeper scrutiny of donation records. Authorities are expected to analyse financial transactions, audit donation channels and review administrative procedures followed in the handling of funds. Given the scale and sensitivity of the Ram Temple project, officials said maintaining transparency in financial operations remains a priority. Further developments are expected as investigators question the accused and examine documentary and electronic evidence related to the case.

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