Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Row: Champat Rai and Anil Mishra Resign Amid Offerings Theft Controversy

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A controversy surrounding the alleged embezzlement of devotees’ offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya intensified on Friday as reports emerged that senior Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust members Champat Rai and Anil Mishra had stepped down from their positions amid growing scrutiny over the handling of donations received at the temple.

The development came as investigators confirmed the arrest of all eight individuals named in a First Information Report registered in connection with the alleged misappropriation of cash and valuables offered by devotees visiting the temple. The case has quickly become one of the most sensitive issues faced by the temple administration since the inauguration of the grand shrine, which receives contributions from lakhs of pilgrims every month.

The allegations first surfaced after discrepancies were reportedly noticed in the accounting and handling of offerings deposited by devotees. Given the seriousness of the claims and the enormous public faith associated with the temple, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team to conduct a preliminary probe into the matter.

The SIT examined records related to the counting of cash donations and the management of valuables received as offerings. According to officials familiar with the investigation, the team identified irregularities that warranted criminal proceedings and recommended legal action against those allegedly involved in the operation.

Acting on the recommendations contained in the SIT’s preliminary report, an FIR was registered on the complaint of Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The complaint alleged that individuals associated with the counting and processing of temple donations had diverted funds and valuables intended for the trust.

Police subsequently launched raids and detained all eight accused named in the FIR. Senior officials confirmed that all the suspects were arrested from Ayodhya on Thursday night and are currently being questioned by investigators regarding the movement of money, internal accounting systems and the handling of valuables donated by devotees.

“All the accused were in Ayodhya itself and were arrested on Thursday night. Further questioning is under way. Police are preparing to present them before a magistrate,” a senior official involved in the investigation said.

Authorities have invoked several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in the case, including Section 306 relating to theft by a clerk or servant of property in possession of the employer, Section 316 dealing with criminal breach of trust, Section 317 concerning dishonestly receiving stolen property and Section 61 covering criminal conspiracy.

Investigators are also examining whether the alleged irregularities were limited to the individuals named in the FIR or whether the operation involved a wider network. Financial records, CCTV footage and internal documentation related to the donation counting process are being scrutinised as part of the ongoing investigation.

The reported resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra have added a significant political and administrative dimension to the controversy. Both leaders have played prominent roles in the functioning and administration of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and have been closely associated with the temple project since its inception.

While investigators have so far focused their probe on those directly involved in handling donations, the controversy has intensified demands for greater transparency and stronger auditing mechanisms in the management of offerings at major religious institutions. Experts point out that temples receiving large volumes of donations require robust systems of checks and balances to maintain public confidence and protect the sanctity of devotees’ contributions.

The Ram Temple in Ayodhya occupies a unique place in India’s religious and political landscape, making any allegation linked to its administration particularly sensitive. For millions of devotees, offerings made at the temple are an expression of faith and devotion, and any breach of trust involving those donations inevitably attracts widespread public attention.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to continue questioning the arrested individuals while examining financial transactions and internal procedures linked to the alleged embezzlement. The findings of the probe are likely to have far-reaching implications for the future management and oversight of donations at one of India’s most revered religious institutions.