Ram Mandir Donation Embezzlement Probe

A major controversy has erupted over alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, leading to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe by the India — Uttar Pradesh government. The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, which manages the temple, requested the SIT after initial allegations by Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. The SIT's preliminary report revealed significant violations of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in donation handling, including lax security and improper key access. Following the report, an FIR was registered, and eight individuals, including former trust driver Ramshankar Yadav and donation-counting staff like Avinash Shukla, were arrested. Nearly 80 lakh rupees in cash and foreign currency have been recovered from some of the accused. In response to the scandal, Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, and trustee Anil Mishra resigned, taking moral responsibility. Their statements have been recorded by the police, and the SIT has been granted a 15-day extension to conduct a comprehensive re-audit of the trust's accounts for the past five years. Political parties, including the India — Indian National Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party, have demanded further investigations, with the Congress calling for a Supreme Court-monitored probe and the dissolution of the trust. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Vishva Hindu Parishad have also expressed strong condemnation and called for strict punishment for the guilty. The Supreme Court has received petitions for a probe but declined an urgent hearing. The controversy has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of religious donations.