Ayodhya | Updated: June 26, 2026
All eight people named in an FIR linked to the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple in Ayodhya have been arrested, senior officials said on Friday.
The FIR was lodged on the complaint of Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The action followed recommendations made in the preliminary report of a special investigation team constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the allegations.
According to officials, all eight accused were associated with the process of counting cash and valuables donated at the Ram temple. They were arrested from Ayodhya on Thursday night.
A senior official said the accused are being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation. Police are also preparing to produce them before a magistrate.
The case has been registered under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 306 related to theft by a clerk or servant of property in possession of the master, Section 316 related to criminal breach of trust, Section 317 related to dishonestly receiving stolen property, and Section 61 related to criminal conspiracy.
Officials said further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the alleged embezzlement and the role of each accused in the matter.
The case has drawn attention, as it concerns donations received at the Ram temple, one of the country’s most prominent religious sites. The SIT probe is expected to examine donation counting procedures, handling of cash and valuables, and possible lapses in internal monitoring.
