Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Ram Temple Donation Theft Case: ₹81 Lakh Recovered
Some people stole money from the donation boxes at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Two important people in charge, Champat Rai and Dr Anil Mishra, found out about it and got ₹81 lakh back from the thieves.
They then asked for a special team (SIT) to investigate.
Because of all the attention from the media and the public, they decided to step down from their jobs until the investigation is done.
The government set up the SIT to look into the case and find out what really happened.
Two senior officials acknowledged the theft of donations from the Ram Temple.
₹81 lakh was recovered from the accused without initially filing an FIR.
The officials recommended an SIT investigation and resigned pending its outcome.
The Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member SIT on July 26.
The SIT is reviewing evidence, interrogations, and recovered money details.
- Who
- Champat Rai, Dr Anil Mishra, and unidentified youths
- What
- Theft of donations from the Ram Temple and subsequent recovery of ₹81 lakh
- When
- June 4 (theft), June 5-8 (recovery), July 6 (resignations), July 26 (SIT constituted)
- Where
- Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Why
- To recover stolen donations and ensure transparency through an SIT investigation
Trust's Initial Handling
Public and Media Scrutiny
Initial Response
Trust's Initial Handling
The Trust initially handled the matter internally by questioning the accused and recovering ₹81 lakh without filing an FIR.
Public and Media Scrutiny
Media reports and public statements raised concerns and confusion among devotees, leading to increased scrutiny.
Transparency
Trust's Initial Handling
The Trust decided to resign and request an SIT investigation to ensure transparency and protect the Trust's reputation.
Public and Media Scrutiny
The public and media demanded a thorough investigation, questioning the initial handling of the case.
- Amount Recovered
- ₹81 lakh
- Date of Theft
- June 4
- Date of Resignation
- July 6
- SIT Constitution Date
- July 26
- SIT Members
- Lucknow IG Kiran S, Ayodhya Range DIG Somen Verma, Ayodhya SSP Dr Gaurav Grover