Arrests Made in Ayodhya Ram Temple Financial Irregularities Case

In a significant development, police have arrested eight individuals in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The action follows a complaint filed by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe the matter after allegations of theft of donations surfaced. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured a thorough investigation, emphasizing that justice will prevail. The case has also sparked political discussions, with calls for judicial intervention from opposition leaders. Read on for more details about the investigation and its implications.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 26, 2026, 10:52 IST

Police Action Following Financial Irregularities at Ram Temple

In connection with alleged financial irregularities at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against eight individuals, leading to their arrest by the police. This confirmation was provided by police sources on Friday.

According to police reports, after completing the legal procedures, all accused will be presented in the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Faizabad to secure their judicial remand.

The FIR was lodged at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi police station on Thursday based on a complaint from Trust member Krishna Mohan. The accused include Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey, Lavkush Mishra, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava, and Manish Kumar Yadav, along with some unidentified individuals.

The police indicated that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had recommended stringent action in its preliminary report submitted to the government on June 23, which prompted this legal action. Various charges, including theft, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy, have been filed under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Formation of SIT and Political Reactions

Following the emergence of allegations regarding the theft of donations and offerings at the Ram Temple, the Trust requested a special investigation. Consequently, on June 13, an SIT was established under the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to probe the matter.

The SIT comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Special Secretary of the Finance Department Neel Ratan.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the SIT's impartial investigation would clarify the situation, ensuring that justice is served and no wrongdoers escape punishment. The issue gained political traction when Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav raised it on June 7, referencing a news report and calling for judicial intervention.