The investigation into the alleged theft of donations intended for the Ayodhya Ram Temple has intensified as law enforcement embarks on a comprehensive review of financial records. Police have requested five years of banking documents from seven financial institutions associated with eight suspects and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. This scrutiny aims to trace the flow of funds and identify any irregular activities related to the supposedly misappropriated contributions from devotees.

Sources indicate that investigators are particularly focused on detecting anomalous cash deposits, withdrawals, or transfers linked to donation management at the temple. They are working to establish a clear correlation between the donations recorded through the temple’s official channels and the amounts deposited into the Trust’s accounts.

As part of the investigation, a police team has already visited the Ayodhya Dham branch of the State Bank of India (SBI), where the primary donation account of the Trust is maintained. This visit allowed them to gather essential banking records and procedural documents critical to their inquiry.

SBI Branch at the Centre of Investigation

The SBI branch in Ayodhya has emerged as a focal point in this investigation due to its connections with both the Trust and several accused individuals. On Monday, police interrogated bank officials for approximately four hours as part of their investigation efforts. Reports suggest that the bank had previously raised concerns about potential irregularities to both the Trust and police around three months prior, but no actions were allegedly taken at that time.

Sources from the bank revealed that they suggested changing the staff responsible for counting cash during the donation collection process. However, this recommendation was reportedly dismissed by some officials within the Trust. The bank has since complied with police requests by providing detailed account information related to the accused individuals.

As investigators review financial records, they plan to cross-reference this data with other evidence, including CCTV footage, digital transaction records, attendance logs, and cash deposit registers that were collected during the ongoing inquiry.

Management Changes Follow Arrests

The investigation has prompted significant administrative changes within the temple’s management structure. Champat Rai, a leader from the Vishva Hindu Parishad and General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has stepped down from his position. Additionally, Trustee Anil Mishra has also resigned amidst escalating scrutiny regarding the management of donations and internal controls.

These developments coincide with the enhanced investigation efforts by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), established by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13, following a request from the Trust for a thorough inquiry into financial irregularities.

The eight individuals arrested, including Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, and Lav Kush Mishra, among others, were involved in the management of cash and valuables donated by temple visitors. Their involvement was part of a broader team responsible for overseeing financial transactions related to the shrine.

Increase in Temple Donations Amid Controversy

Despite the ongoing investigations, daily donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple have reportedly surged in recent weeks. This increase in contributions is attributed to the higher number of pilgrims visiting the temple during the summer vacation period. Previously, average daily donations ranged from around Rs 10 to 12 lakh; this amount has now escalated to approximately Rs 20 to 24 lakh per day.

From January 2024 to mid-2026, it has been noted that nearly 12 crore devotees have visited the shrine, with daily averages of around 50,000 to 60,000 visitors. Beyond cash contributions, pilgrims also present gold, silver, jewellery, clothing, and other valuables at the temple.

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