70 Alleged Theft Attempts In Just Two Months: SIT Flags Major Lapses In Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Probe

The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has uncovered fresh details. According to sources, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has found evidence suggesting that nearly 70 theft attempts were made over a period of more than a month.

The latest findings have raised serious concerns about how donations were handled and monitored inside one of India's most important religious sites. Investigators are now examining CCTV footage, financial records and internal audit reports as the probe continues.

CCTV Footage Reveals Multiple Alleged Theft Attempts

According to sources, investigators reviewed CCTV footage covering the period from April 27 to June 5. During this review, they allegedly found around 70 attempts to steal money from the temple donations.

Sources claimed that a man identified as Manish Kumar Yadav appeared in the CCTV footage on several occasions while allegedly attempting to steal donation money. However, despite these repeated incidents, no immediate action was reportedly taken against him at that time.

Officials are continuing to verify the footage as part of the ongoing investigation.

SIT Flags Serious Lapses in Donation Handling

The SIT has also reportedly identified major shortcomings in the way temple donations were counted and managed.

According to sources, investigators examined internal audit reports for the financial years 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25. These reports allegedly pointed to several procedural weaknesses in the system responsible for handling donations.

The investigation found that financial records were not maintained properly, making it difficult to track accountability during the counting process.

Weak Internal Control System Under Scanner

Sources familiar with the investigation said the SIT observed that the temple's internal control mechanism was "extremely weak."

Investigators reportedly found that there was no clear system of accountability at the supervisory level. The lack of proper documentation and monitoring is believed to have created opportunities for alleged financial irregularities.

Officials are now examining whether these administrative lapses contributed to the alleged embezzlement.

Eight Arrested, More Action Expected

So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case.
Among those arrested is Ramashankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, who is said to be a close aide of Champat Rai. The other accused include Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey, Lav Kush Mishra, Rama Shankar Mishra and Subhash Srivastava.

Sources indicated that further arrests are likely based on the recommendations made by the SIT after completing its investigation.

Yogi Adityanath Assures Strict Action

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured that those found guilty will face strict action.

Speaking at a public event in Deoria, the Chief Minister said Ayodhya represents the faith of millions of people and any wrongdoing connected to the Ram Temple would be dealt with firmly.

He also criticised opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, accusing them of trying to politicise the issue.

'Truth Will Be Separated from Falsehood'

Addressing the gathering, Adityanath said the government had already announced the formation of an SIT and promised action after receiving its report.
He stated that the investigation has now moved forward based on the findings submitted by the SIT.

"I assure you that, as I had said, we will separate truth from falsehood," the Chief Minister said, while reiterating that no guilty person would be spared.

The SIT investigation is still underway, with officials continuing to examine CCTV footage, audit records and financial documents.

Investigators are also looking into the role of those responsible for supervising the donation counting process and whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged embezzlement.