Embezzlement FIR Filed Over Ayodhya Ram Temple Donations
Authorities have registered a First Information Report following allegations of financial irregularities and embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The legal action follows a preliminary inquiry report submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government by a Special Investigation Team tasked with probing the temple funds.
Key Highlights
- An FIR has been registered against 8 staff members in Ayodhya over the misappropriation of temple donations.
- A Special Investigation Team submitted its preliminary findings to the Uttar Pradesh government 2 days ago.
- Provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including financial fraud and conspiracy sections, have been invoked.
- Opposition leaders have demanded political accountability, while a petition in the Supreme Court seeks a CBI probe.
An FIR was lodged over allegations of embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple. The FIR comes amid an ongoing probe into the matter by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which submitted a preliminary report of its findings to the Uttar Pradesh government two days ago.
The ongoing investigation into the financial management of the temple trust intensified after authorities registered a formal complaint against 8 staff members at an Ayodhya police station. The case filed by the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust follows a 3-member SIT probe initiated on June 14, 2026.
Legal action was initiated under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61, and 3(5). The directives came directly from the state government after allegations surfaced that between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore had been misappropriated.
The emerging financial discrepancies have triggered sharp political reactions. Samajwadi Party MLA Ravidas Mahrotra publicly demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, questioning how such significant capital could vanish despite stringent security protocols and a heavy police presence.
A parallel legal challenge has also emerged, with a new petition filed in the Supreme Court of India. The plea demands a court-monitored investigation and the transfer of the case to a Special Investigation Team under the Central Bureau of Investigation to review the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
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Historical Context
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya was formally inaugurated in January 2024 following decades of complex legal disputes and political maneuvers. Since its opening, the religious site has attracted millions of devotees globally, resulting in massive volumes of daily financial offerings and charitable donations. The current embezzlement controversy marks the first major institutional financial probe faced by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust since the temple’s completion.
FAQs
Why was an FIR registered regarding the Ram temple?
The FIR was registered following allegations that between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore in devotee donations and offerings were embezzled. A Special Investigation Team uncovered sufficient preliminary evidence of financial irregularities to warrant formal criminal charges against 8 staff members.
What legal sections have been applied in the Ayodhya donation case?
The case has been registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61, and 3(5), which cover financial fraud, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy.
What are opposition leaders demanding after the FIR?
Opposition figures, including Samajwadi Party leaders, are demanding the resignation of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. They are questioning the accountability of the administration and demanding an impartial, transparent investigation into the security and financial lapses.
Is there a Supreme Court petition regarding the Ram Mandir funds?
Yes, a fresh petition has been moved in the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored independent inquiry. The petitioners are requesting that a Special Investigation Team under the Central Bureau of Investigation take over the probe into the trust’s financial management.
