Ram Temple Leadership Shake‑up Amid Alleged Donation Theft Scandal

Sun Sep 06 2026 09:53:30 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Within days of allegations of tens of millions in stolen donations, the Ram temple board in Ayodhya faced a leadership overhaul and a federal investigation.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust fired its general secretary after claims that huge sums were stolen from donation boxes. A police investigation registered a case of embezzlement and named eight suspects. The trust, which has collected over 5.8 bn rupees, appointed a former RSS veteran as interim secretary and vowed stricter controls. Political parties and the public demand accountability in this high‑profile religious institution.

Leadership overhaul announced

Authorities at the grand temple to Hindu god Ram in Ayodhya have announced a leadership overhaul after allegations that tens of millions of rupees were stolen from donation boxes. The trust managing the shrine accepted the resignation of general secretary Champat Rai and appointed an interim official.

In January 2024 the temple entered a new era when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it. The shrine now welcomes 50 million visitors annually and is a centre of pilgrimage.

The trust, which collects, sorts and counts offerings, reported that it had received 5.82 bn rupees ($61m) from devotees until 31 March 2026, of which 3.19 bn rupees ($33.48m) were spent on shrine upkeep.

After allegations surfaced, a three‑member Special Investigation Team was set up by the state government. An interim report led to the police registering a case of embezzlement and naming eight suspects. They were arrested and are now under questioning.

Govind Dev Giri, the trust treasurer, announced the resignations and appointed retired forest officer Krishna Mohan, a member of the RSS, as interim general secretary. Mohan emphasised that his priority was to close any loopholes that allowed theft and restore faith in the institution.

The allegations were first raised by a former accounts supervisor who said he was dismissed when he brought concerns to internal proceedings. The claims triggered a political row, with opposition parties questioning the handling of donated cash, jewellery, gold and silver.

Petitions filed in the state high court and Supreme Court demand a court‑monitored investigation by the federal police. A former city legislator managed to summon more than 70 m rupees ($739,550) missing from the shrine’s boxes.

Giri stated that the trust did not commit the theft. The incident has struck a blow to the shrine’s image and the sentiments of devotees. He said the theft was carried out by people who had been trusted by Rai, and that the tribune would meet again on 22 July to receive the final police report.

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