For generations, the words “Ram Naam Ki Loot Hai, Loot Sake To Loot” have symbolized spiritual devotion—not material wealth. They have always been an invitation to immerse oneself in the name of Lord Ram.
But today, in Ayodhya, those words have taken on a disturbing new meaning.
Allegations of a massive donation scam—estimated at nearly ₹7 crore—have shaken the faith of millions of devotees.
Ayodhya is a city where every rupee offered in devotion is believed to reach Lord Ram. A place where faith is priceless, trust is sacred, and donations are made with complete sincerity.
Today, however, that trust has come under serious question.
Hello and welcome. I’m Puja Shali.
The alleged Ram Temple donation scam has shocked the nation. Over the past month, investigators have uncovered startling details through multiple arrests, raids, and interrogations.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly exploited security loopholes inside the temple complex and operated a network that siphoned off donations meant for the temple.
How the Investigation Began
In early June, police raided the residence of Avin Shukla, who was associated with the temple’s donation counting process.
Throughout the month, multiple investigative teams continued conducting searches.
The controversy escalated after opposition leader and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav alleged that donations worth nearly ₹7 to ₹7.5 crore had been stolen.
Initially, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai strongly denied the allegations.
But within days, the situation changed dramatically.
Mounting pressure forced the Uttar Pradesh government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The SIT seized financial records, CCTV footage, and banking documents to uncover the truth.
Hidden Cameras Expose Alleged Theft
According to investigators, the trust noticed significant differences between expected daily donations and actual bank deposits.
Suspecting irregularities, hidden cameras were reportedly installed inside the donation counting room.
Investigators claim the footage exposed an organized network involving outsourced cash-counting staff.
The accused allegedly blocked CCTV cameras before hiding bundles of cash, gold ornaments, silver jewelry, and foreign currency inside their clothing.
Authorities believe the operation continued for a significant period before it was detected.
The Main Accused
Police have identified Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinu Yadav, as the central figure in the alleged scam.
India Today accessed CCTV footage from June 5 showing Avin Shukla being escorted by police.
Investigators claim a black bag containing cash was recovered during the operation.
Sources say that although cash was allegedly recovered on June 5, no FIR was immediately registered.
The alleged scam became public only on June 7.
Security Lapses Under Scanner
Investigators have questioned how such theft could occur despite nearly ₹10 crore being spent on security arrangements within just eleven months.
The SIT reportedly found evidence suggesting CCTV cameras may have been deliberately tampered with.
Nearly 200 individuals are now under investigation.
On June 25, police registered an FIR against eight accused:
- Avin Shukla
- Anukalp Mishra
- Lav Kush Mishra
- Manish Kumar Yadav
- Karunesh Pandey
- Ram Shankar Mishra
- Subhash Srivastava
- Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinu
All eight have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Recovery of Alleged Stolen Money
Police claim they have recovered approximately ₹80 lakh of allegedly embezzled donation money.
Investigators are tracing financial transactions and examining properties suspected to have been purchased using the stolen funds.
Meanwhile, the Temple Trust has confirmed that Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra have submitted their resignations.
Although Champat Rai has not been named as an accused, police have recorded his statement because the prime accused, Tinu Yadav, worked as his driver.
SOP Violations Revealed
The SIT has highlighted serious violations of standard operating procedures.
Among the alleged lapses:
- No mandatory joint supervision during donation counting.
- Failure to rotate officials periodically.
- Inadequate personal searches of staff.
- Poor documentation of donations.
- Separate donation boxes were reportedly not properly recorded.
Investigators have also sought five years of banking records from seven different banks.
The Mystery Donation Box
Another significant development involves a donation box recovered from a yoga center associated with one of the accused.
The box carried the inscription “Ram Raja Kosh” and included a QR code for digital donations.
Investigators are examining whether it was used as part of the alleged diversion of temple donations.
Alleged Confession
Sources claim several accused confessed during interrogation.
Investigators allege the accused knew exactly where CCTV cameras were installed and understood that surveillance was not continuously monitored.
According to police, money was allegedly hidden inside bathrooms before being removed later without attracting suspicion.
Authorities are also investigating whether insiders within the trust and bank officials may have helped facilitate the alleged theft.
Political Storm Intensifies
The controversy has now turned into a major political issue.
The Congress party has demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation, arguing that an SIT appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government may not be sufficient.
Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an independent probe.
The opposition alleges that only smaller players have been arrested while larger individuals remain under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the BJP has defended the ongoing investigation, saying the law will take its course.
Internal Audit Raises Questions
An internal audit reportedly highlighted serious weaknesses in financial management.
Despite handling donations worth over ₹3,500 crore, recommendations made in November 2020—including stronger financial controls, transaction protocols, and inventory tracking for jewelry—were allegedly not fully implemented.
Investigators believe these shortcomings may have contributed to the alleged scam.
Official Response
Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra acknowledged that stronger systems should have been in place.
He stated that if proper Standard Operating Procedures had been followed, such an incident might have been prevented.
According to him, the donation management system relied heavily on trust and informal processes rather than structured oversight.
Investigation Continues
The investigation remains ongoing.
More arrests and further questioning cannot be ruled out.
The Temple Trust has assured devotees that it is committed to a transparent investigation and strict action against anyone found guilty.
For millions of devotees in India and around the world, this case is not merely about financial misconduct—it is about protecting the sanctity of faith itself.
As investigators continue to uncover new evidence, the nation waits for answers and accountability.
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