Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Case Takes New Turn
The Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case has escalated as the Faizabad Bar Association prohibits its members from representing the eight accused. The association's decision follows growing public outrage over the alleged embezzlement of donations. Lawyers are demanding the resignation of key trust officials linked to the case, threatening protests if their demands are not met. Meanwhile, the eight accused remain in judicial custody as police investigations intensify, with searches conducted at their residences for evidence. This unfolding situation raises significant concerns among devotees and the legal community alike.
| Jun 29, 2026, 13:58 IST
New Developments in Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Case
The case concerning the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has taken a significant turn. The Faizabad Bar Association has decided that none of its members will represent the eight accused arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of temple donations. The association has also issued a warning that any lawyer who violates this decision will face a fine of ₹5 lakh. This resolution was made during a general meeting of the Bar Association on Monday, where members expressed strong discontent over the reported theft of offerings made by devotees at the temple. This decision comes at a time when the police investigation into the matter is expanding.
Lawyers Demand Action Against Trust Officials
Lawyers Call for Action Against Trust Officials
During the meeting, several lawyers demanded that Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao—who are all associated with the management of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust but have not been named in the FIR—should leave Ayodhya. They warned that if these three individuals do not vacate the city within three days, they would initiate a protest by blocking access to Ayodhya.
Bar Association Cites Devotees' Sentiments
Bar Association Highlights Devotees' Sentiments
Explaining the decision, Bar Association Secretary Shailendra Jaiswal stated that the theft of temple offerings has hurt the sentiments of all. The lawyers from Faizabad have agreed not to represent the arrested individuals. According to the resolution adopted by the association, any lawyer who chooses to represent the accused despite this decision will incur a fine of ₹5 lakh.
Eight Accused in Judicial Custody
Eight Accused in Judicial Custody
The eight individuals arrested in this case include Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ram Shankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava, and Ramashankar alias Tinnu Yadav. According to investigators, all eight were involved in counting the cash and valuables received as donations at the Ram Temple. They have been arrested on charges of embezzlement and are currently in judicial custody until June 29. As part of the ongoing investigation, police teams conducted simultaneous searches at the homes of all eight accused on Sunday. During the raids, officials sought documents, financial records, and other items that could help trace the alleged transactions of the funds.