Ram Temple Donation Row: FIR Filed Against Eight as Probe Into Alleged Donation Theft Widens

The Ram Temple Donation Row has become one of the most closely watched developments in India after authorities launched an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The controversy gained momentum after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted its preliminary findings to the Uttar Pradesh government, prompting police to register a formal First Information Report (FIR).

The case involves allegations that funds donated by devotees may have been stolen or misused during the cash-handling process. Authorities have stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that the allegations will be examined through the legal process.

FIR Registered Against Eight Individuals

Ayodhya police have registered an FIR against eight individuals in connection with the alleged donation theft. Those named reportedly include officials associated with cash collection and counting at the temple’s pilgrim facilitation centre. The FIR contains charges including theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating, and criminal conspiracy under relevant provisions of Indian law.

Police have also taken the accused into custody for questioning as investigators continue gathering evidence and examining financial records.

How the Alleged Donation Theft Came to Light

The controversy surfaced after irregularities were reportedly noticed during the handling and accounting of donations received from devotees.

Following complaints and internal scrutiny, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the matter. After reviewing preliminary evidence, the SIT submitted its findings, leading to the registration of the FIR.

Investigators are examining:

Cash collection procedures
Donation counting records
CCTV footage
Financial documentation
Statements from employees and officials

Officials have not yet disclosed the total amount allegedly involved, stating that the audit and investigation remain in progress.

Police Investigation and SIT Findings

The investigation is being carried out by Ayodhya police with inputs from the Special Investigation Team.

According to officials, the probe focuses on determining whether donations were diverted through a coordinated conspiracy or whether procedural lapses enabled financial irregularities. The SIT’s preliminary report prompted the police action, but investigators have indicated that further forensic and financial analysis is underway.

Authorities are expected to:

Examine Financial Transactions

Investigators will verify cash records against official donation registers.

Review Surveillance Footage

CCTV footage may help reconstruct movements and identify any suspicious activity.

Question Temple Staff

Employees responsible for handling donations are being questioned to establish the sequence of events.

Conduct Financial Audits

Detailed audits are expected to determine whether any funds were misappropriated.

Officials have emphasized that the investigation is at an early stage and that no conclusions should be drawn before the probe is completed.

Response from the Ram Temple Trust

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has stated that it initiated legal action after receiving the preliminary findings of the SIT. The Trust lodged the complaint that resulted in the FIR, indicating that it supports a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities.

The Trust has maintained that it is cooperating with law enforcement agencies and has expressed its commitment to ensuring transparency in the management of devotees’ contributions.

Political Reactions

The alleged donation theft has triggered political debate.

Opposition leaders have demanded accountability and called for a transparent investigation into the handling of temple funds. Meanwhile, leaders from the ruling party have urged that the investigation be allowed to proceed without political interference.

The issue has become a subject of public discussion, given the religious and cultural significance of the Ram Temple and the large volume of donations it receives from devotees across India.