New Regulations Implemented for Donations at Ayodhya's Ram Temple Amid Controversy

In light of ongoing disputes regarding donations for the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has established new guidelines for counting donations. These updated rules include stringent security checks, enhanced monitoring, and specific protocols for staff handling donations. According to the revised regulations, donation counting will now occur from 9 AM to 6 PM.

During an investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations for the Ram Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya, authorities have recovered stolen cash, gold jewelry, and a four-wheeler. Police sources reported this information on Thursday, following raids conducted late Wednesday based on leads from suspects. Among the eight arrested individuals, Anukalp Mishra was found in possession of ₹20,000 in cash, a gold chain, a mobile phone, and a Maruti Swift Dzire car, which was registered in his father's name. Additionally, police seized a gold locket that was gifted to his wife by the accused Lavkush Mishra, along with ₹38,000 in cash. Another suspect, Karunesh Pandey, had ₹15,000 in cash. Authorities have also obtained records of the suspects' bank transactions, which may shed light on how they attempted to legitimize the stolen funds.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently probing the theft of donations at the Ram Temple. The investigation revealed that the suspects made 70 attempts to steal over 45 days, all captured on CCTV. In its preliminary report, the SIT attributed the thefts to repeated lapses in staff oversight. The report also raised questions about the involvement of Dr. Anil Mishra, a former trustee of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, as it was found that standard operating procedures (SOPs) were not followed under his supervision.

It is noteworthy that Mishra has stepped down from his position, along with Champat Rai, who also resigned as the Trust's General Secretary, and their resignations have been accepted. Among the eight arrested by the SIT is Ramshankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, a close associate of Rai. The investigation revealed that Tinnu was managing the keys/access to the hundi without written permission. Although the Trust has accepted their resignations, it stated that Rai is not 'angry' about leaving and supports the new management structure. Trust treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj commented on Thursday, stating, 'He (Champat) is an experienced individual who has dedicated his life to the nation. He fully supports the new temple management and is neither upset nor angry.'