Ayodhya: In a major development in the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case, the Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested all eight individuals named in a First Information Report (FIR) registered following the recommendations of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The action comes amid allegations that cash and valuables donated by devotees at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple were systematically misappropriated by individuals entrusted with handling the offerings.
FIR Registered After SIT Findings
The FIR was lodged at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station on the complaint of Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. It followed the submission of the SIT’s preliminary report to the Uttar Pradesh government, which reportedly uncovered evidence of financial irregularities in the handling of temple donations. The accused have been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal breach of trust, theft, criminal conspiracy, cheating and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
#BreakingNews | All eight accused arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in donations to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a day after the Uttar Pradesh Police registered an FIR based on a complaint filed by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the… pic.twitter.com/pQ12gmGz9F
— DD News (@DDNewslive) June 26, 2026
All Eight Accused Arrested
According to police, all eight accused have been taken into custody and are being interrogated. They include Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Ramashankar Mishra, Manish Yadav, Subhash Chandra Srivastava and Karunesh Pandey. Most of them were associated with the temple’s donation collection and cash-counting system, while others allegedly played supporting roles in the operation.
CCTV Footage and Recovered Cash Strengthen Probe
Investigators believe CCTV footage captured several accused allegedly removing devotees’ offerings during the cash-counting process. Reports indicate that stolen cash was recovered from the possession of at least two accused—Anukalp Mishra and Lavkush Mishra—strengthening the prosecution’s case. Police are also examining financial transactions, seized documents and electronic evidence to determine the full extent of the alleged embezzlement.
SIT Investigation Uncovered Larger Irregularities
The SIT, constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government, has been probing allegations of irregularities in the management of donations received from millions of devotees visiting the Ram Temple. Besides recommending criminal action against the accused, the investigation has reportedly suggested stricter oversight of the donation management system and administrative reforms to improve transparency and accountability. Earlier reports had indicated that the SIT was examining the role of additional individuals connected with temple operations.
Political Reactions Continue
The case has sparked political debate across Uttar Pradesh. Opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, have demanded complete transparency and questioned whether all those responsible have been brought under the ambit of the investigation. The Uttar Pradesh government, however, has maintained that the law is taking its course and that no one found guilty will be spared.
Investigation Still Underway
Officials have clarified that the arrests represent the first major phase of the investigation. Police are continuing to scrutinise financial records, donation handling procedures and the possible involvement of additional individuals. Authorities have stated that further legal action may follow if new evidence emerges during the ongoing probe. The case has drawn nationwide attention because of the immense religious significance of the Ayodhya Ram Temple and the enormous volume of donations it receives from devotees across India and abroad.
