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An official confirmed that both office bearers submitted their resignations after the Uttar Pradesh government intensified its response to the alleged theft. The development came after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath adopted a firm stand on the matter and a Special Investigating Team submitted its preliminary findings into the alleged misappropriation of temple donations.
According to reports, approximately Rs 7 crore to Rs 7.5 crore is suspected to be missing from the temple's cash offerings. A criminal case was registered on Thursday under provisions relating to theft by an employee, criminal breach of trust, dishonestly receiving stolen property, and criminal conspiracy.
The case names eight accused, including six individuals responsible for counting cash donations. Those named are Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava, and Ramshankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu. Investigators alleged that the accused were captured on closed-circuit television cameras embezzling donation money. All eight have been arrested and are currently in custody.
Addressing the issue, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the government had already announced the formation of a Special Investigating Team and assured that action would begin immediately after the submission of its report. He stated that the preliminary report had been received and legal action had commenced without delay. Reiterating his commitment, the Chief Minister said the investigation would distinguish the truth from falsehood through a fair and thorough inquiry.
The controversy has also triggered a political confrontation, with opposition leaders alleging that the First Information Report does not assign responsibility to senior office bearers of the temple trust, including Champat Rai and Anil Mishra.
The issue was first raised by the Samajwadi Party, following which the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust requested the Uttar Pradesh government to order an independent investigation to establish the facts and eliminate speculation surrounding the alleged theft.
The state government subsequently constituted a Special Investigating Team comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan. The team submitted its preliminary report to the government earlier this week, reportedly containing strong recommendations regarding the case.
The Ram Temple has received substantial public donations since its inauguration in January 2024. According to the trust's latest annual report, issued last September, the temple recorded earnings of nearly Rs 327 crore during the financial year 2024-25. The total included Rs 153 crore in donations and Rs 173 crore generated through interest income.
The temple receives an average of 70,000 to 80,000 visitors every day, while the number increases significantly during weekends and religious festivals.
The process of counting cash donations has been officially entrusted to the State Bank of India, which has appointed a private agency to carry out the work. Donations are collected through four donation boxes and counted by a team of 14 individuals, including 11 bank personnel and three representatives from the temple trust.
The resignations of two senior trust functionaries, the arrest of eight accused, and the ongoing Special Investigating Team investigation have placed one of India's most prominent religious institutions under intense public scrutiny. The outcome of the investigation is expected to play a crucial role in determining accountability and reinforcing transparency in the management of temple donations.
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