Ram Mandir donation row deepens: 8 arrested, ₹80 lakh seized, trust members quit

A major controversy has erupted over donations collected for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, leading to the arrest of eight individuals and the seizure of nearly ₹80 lakh. Two prominent members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, including its general secretary Champat Rai, have reportedly resigned.

The dramatic developments followed the filing of a first information report (FIR) by the Uttar Pradesh Police based on a complaint from the trust. The FIR names an aide of Champat Rai and seven others. While there was no official confirmation of the resignations, sources indicated that Rai stepped down to facilitate a free and fair investigation and protect the sanctity of Lord Ram, denying any wrongdoing and assuming moral responsibility.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that action had commenced following the submission of a Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) preliminary report on the alleged irregularities. He criticized the opposition, asserting that the government would not tolerate any tampering with faith and that the truth would emerge.

The FIR lists Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu, a close aide of Rai, along with seven others, for offenses including criminal breach of trust, cheating, theft, and criminal conspiracy. The SIT recommended the FIR based on oral, financial, and electronic evidence. All eight accused have been remanded to judicial custody.

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I had stated that action would be taken once the SIT report arrived. The report is in, and action has commenced. During my visit to Ayodhya on June 19, I said the truth would come out. The government will not tolerate messing with the faith.