Ayodhya Ram Temple donation fraud case leads to FIR and SIT probe

The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, set up a three‑member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine alleged irregularities in the handling of cash offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Following the SIT’s interim report, the Ayodhya police filed a First Information Report (FIR) naming eight individuals and several unknown suspects. The FIR alleges that the accused—ranging from trustees who oversaw the donation boxes to staff responsible for cash counting and transport—participated in the misappropriation of crores of rupees contributed by pilgrims. Charges were filed under sections 61 (criminal conspiracy), 306 (theft by an employee), 316(5) (criminal breach of trust) and 317 (handling stolen property) of the Indian Penal Code, with potential penalties up to life imprisonment. Investigators are examining the suspects' bank accounts, property holdings and transaction records to trace the flow of the allegedly misappropriated funds.