Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Row: SIT finds 70 theft attempts in 2 months (Img-Pinterest)
Ayodhya: The Special Investigating Team probing the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has made a major revelation. According to sources, while examining CCTV footage, investigators found that theft attempts were made at least 70 times between April 27 and June 5.
Sources said a person identified as Manish Kumar Yadav was seen on CCTV allegedly attempting theft on several occasions, but no immediate action was taken against him.
The SIT probe has also found major lapses in the handling of donations during the counting process. Investigators examined internal audit reports for the financial years 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25, which reportedly pointed to several procedural deficiencies.
According to sources, the records were not maintained properly and the internal control system was found to be extremely weak. The probe also found a lack of clarity over accountability at the supervisory level.
So far, eight accused have been arrested in the case, including Champat Rai’s key aide Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav. The other arrested accused include Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Rama Shankar Mishra and Subhash Srivastava.
Sources said more arrests are likely on the basis of the SIT’s recommendations.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has promised strict action in the matter. Speaking at an event in Deoria, he said that the guilty would not be spared. He also targeted the opposition, including the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, accusing them of politicising the issue.
“Ayodhya is a symbol of the faith of all of us and of Sanatan Dharma. Do not cast an evil eye on Ayodhya. Learn to uphold the dignity of Lord Ram,” Adityanath said.
He added that action began immediately after the SIT report was received and assured that the government would separate truth from falsehood.
