Ayodhya: The investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has gathered momentum, with Uttar Pradesh Police arresting all eight individuals named in the First Information Report (FIR), officials confirmed on Friday.
According to senior officials, the accused were taken into custody following coordinated operations carried out on Thursday night. All of them were reportedly present in Ayodhya at the time of their arrest and are now being interrogated as investigators attempt to uncover the full extent of the alleged financial irregularities.
The case was registered after a complaint was filed by Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The complaint was based on the preliminary findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to examine allegations of irregularities in the handling of temple donations.
Investigators said the arrested individuals were entrusted with responsibilities related to counting and managing cash and other valuables offered by devotees at the temple. Authorities are now examining whether the alleged misconduct involved a larger network or was confined to those directly named in the FIR.
Police officials stated that the accused are expected to be produced before a magistrate after completion of initial questioning. Further custodial interrogation may be sought if investigators believe it is necessary to trace the movement of funds and gather additional evidence.
The FIR invokes several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to theft by an employee entrusted with property, criminal breach of trust, receiving stolen property dishonestly, and criminal conspiracy.
Officials have not disclosed the exact amount allegedly siphoned off, saying financial records and other documentary evidence are still being scrutinised. Investigators are also examining donation registers, cash-handling procedures and surveillance records as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Authorities maintained that the investigation is being conducted impartially and that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found responsible. They added that the objective is to ensure transparency in the management of temple donations and uphold public confidence in the system.
The arrests mark a significant development in the high-profile case, with the SIT continuing its investigation to determine whether additional individuals may have played a role in the alleged embezzlement.
