Ram Temple Donation Row: FIR Lodged Over 'Embezzlement Of Donation Funds' At Ayodhya Mandir

Ayodhya: An FIR lodged in Ayodhya on Thursday over alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple, officials said as reported by PTI. The FIR was lodged amid an ongoing probe into the matter by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government. The SIT submitted its preliminary report in the matter on Tuesday.The state government constituted the SIT on June 13 on a request from the temple trust, following allegations of misappropriation of donations received at the Ayodhya Ram temple. The SIT comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan.The case was reportedly filed based on findings from a preliminary probe conducted

by the SIT and a written complaint submitted by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust member Krishna Mohan.On Wednesday, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) called for immediate legal action in connection with the alleged irregularities in offerings made at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. Addressing the issue, VHP International President Alok Kumar outlined four key demands, stating that an FIR should be registered in the matter, the investigation should be expedited and the case should be heard by a fast-track court on a day-to-day basis.

About The Controversy:

The administration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is facing one of its most serious tests since the January 2024 consecration. Opposition leaders allege that cash, gold and jewellery donated by devotees have gone missing or been misused.The temple is managed by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, formed by the Centre in February 2020 following the Supreme Court verdict. The Trust oversees construction, administration, donations, finances and related activities. Since the consecration in January 2024, it has received large donations - cash, gold, jewellery and other offerings - from devotees visiting Ayodhya from across India and abroad.The questions first surfaced on social media in early June 2026, when opposition parties began circulating claims of financial irregularities.

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Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav then raised concerns about reports suggesting that donations worth crores of rupees may be unaccounted for.