Authorities have filed a chargesheet naming eight individuals for the alleged theft of cash, gold, and silver from the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The investigation, backed by CCTV evidence, claims staff bypassed security protocols to siphon donations, which were then reportedly used for real estate purchases. The case, involving Rs 79.85 lakh in recovered cash, highlights potential gaps in the temple's internal donation management controls.
Police have filed a chargesheet naming eight individuals following an investigation into the theft of cash, gold, and silver donations from the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The charges follow allegations that staff members bypassed internal security protocols to misappropriate funds, which investigators claim were later used for personal asset purchases. The case brings attention to the importance of strict financial oversight in institutions that manage large volumes of public donations.
The investigation focuses on control failures within the temple's donation counting room. According to court filings, mandatory security and frisking procedures were reportedly ignored by the counting-room supervisor, Subhash Srivastava. This lapse in oversight allegedly created a loophole, allowing staff to remove donations covertly over an extended period. Investigators have submitted over 200 instances of CCTV footage and mobile chat records as evidence, which they claim track the movement of funds from temple facilities to the accused.
Financial recoveries made during the investigation include approximately Rs 79.85 lakh in cash, alongside holdings in foreign currency and jewelry. The prosecution alleges that these stolen funds were laundered through real estate and vehicle acquisitions. Filings detail a residential property worth Rs 55 lakh registered in the name of a relative of one of the accused, alongside other land and construction investments. The defense is expected to challenge the direct link between these assets and the temple donations during upcoming court proceedings.
The legal process has advanced following the granting of prosecution sanctions under the Prevention of Corruption Act on September 19. The court will now weigh the gathered evidence, ranging from internal call records to witness testimonies regarding the recovery of cash left in temple facilities. The individuals named in the chargesheet include Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey, Manish Kumar Yadav, Lavkush Mishra, Ramashankar Mishra, Ramshankar Yadav, and Subhash Srivastava.
For observers and potential donors, the case underscores the governance risks involved in managing large cash flows. The court's evaluation of these claims will determine the extent of individual accountability and may lead to stricter operational oversight for temple management. The next phase will involve a judicial review of the evidence to determine if the alleged financial route connects directly to the temple's missing funds.