Enhanced Security Measures Implemented at Ayodhya Ram Temple Following Donation Theft

The Ayodhya Ram Temple has revamped its security protocols following a recent donation theft incident. With the introduction of a two-tier security system and mandatory staff searches, the temple administration aims to enhance the safety of offerings and ensure accurate counting. The ongoing investigation, initiated by a Special Investigation Team, has also sparked political discussions, leading to demands for a judicial inquiry and forensic audits of the temple's accounts. Discover how these changes are reshaping the temple's operations and the implications for its administration.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 18, 2026, 12:10 IST

Security Overhaul at Ayodhya Ram Temple

The recent incident of donation theft at the Ayodhya Ram Temple has transformed the temple's daily administrative operations into a highly secured environment. In response to the embezzlement case that emerged weeks ago, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple administration has introduced significant changes to the donation counting process. A two-tier security system has been established, mandatory searches of staff are being conducted, and enhanced security measures have been implemented to protect the offerings made by devotees.

New Guidelines for Donation Counting

Under the new regulations, the counting of donations is now monitored by both police personnel and employees from the private security agency SIS. Joint security is stationed at the entrance of the counting room located in the basement of the Pilgrim Facilitation Center, allowing entry only after staff undergoes two levels of security checks.

Before exiting the counting room, staff members are required to undergo mandatory searches, and no personal items or other materials are permitted inside.

During each shift, more than six security personnel are deployed, while approximately 23 employees are involved in the donation counting process.

After each counting session, the donation counting room is sealed, and staff are only allowed to leave once it is locked.

The temple administration has issued strict guidelines to ensure accurate counting, secure storage of donations, and timely sealing of the counting room.

Ongoing Investigation and Political Reactions

As the investigation into the embezzlement continues, stringent security measures remain in place. The theft of donations was reported on June 7, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT). An FIR was filed on June 25 based on the SIT's preliminary report, and the investigation is still ongoing. This incident has also stirred political reactions, with the Congress party recently demanding a judicial inquiry under the Supreme Court's supervision and a forensic audit of the accounts of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.