Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case: FIR Filed Against 8 Accused

An FIR has been registered in connection with the alleged theft of offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, marking a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the shrine’s donation management. The complaint was lodged by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust member Krishna Mohan, leading police to name eight individuals, including Tinnu Yadav, the driver of the trust’s General Secretary Champat Rai, who has been identified as the principal accused. Six suspects have been detained for questioning as investigators examine the alleged misappropriation of temple donations.

Eight Named, CCTV Under Scrutiny

According to police, the FIR names Subhash Srivastava, who headed the cash-counting team, along with Tinnu Yadav. The remaining six accused were employed to count the temple offerings. Investigators claim CCTV footage captured the six staff members allegedly siphoning off cash during the counting process.

Among those named is Manish Yadav, Tinnu Yadav’s nephew, who was also involved in counting donations. Police said the investigation will continue on the basis of the FIR, adding that anyone else found to be involved during the probe will also be named.

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Opposition Targets BJP

The alleged theft has intensified political tensions in Uttar Pradesh. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is already probing the matter, but opposition parties have questioned the pace and impartiality of the inquiry.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the FIR had been delayed deliberately, claiming an SIT probe without an FIR was “like a bow without an arrow”. He also suggested that evidence may have been tampered with before the FIR was filed and accused authorities of attempting to shield influential figures while targeting smaller offenders.

Earlier, Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticised the BJP, alleging that no meaningful investigation had taken place despite serious allegations of theft involving temple donations. Meanwhile, AAP MP Sanjay Singh submitted documents to the Lucknow Divisional Commissioner’s office, claiming they contained evidence related to both the alleged donation scam and a large-scale land scam linked to the Ram Temple project. He called for strict action against those responsible.

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