Ayodhya Ramra Temple Crown Theft Sparks Investigation and Parliamentary Debate

Police investigations into the theft of crown donations at the Ramra Temple in Ayodhya have led to the arrest of eight individuals and the questioning of an additional 30 people. Authorities say roughly 50 persons were involved in counting the stolen funds, and senior officials of the temple‑management trust are also under scrutiny.

The Indian National Congress, meeting on July 16, listed the temple theft among the key issues it intends to raise in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament starting July 20. The party’s parliamentary group, led by Sonia Gandhi, will also address matters such as the district reorganisation bill, an education‑institution bill, and the FCRA amendment, while supporting a proposal to reserve one‑third of parliamentary seats for women.

The investigation, conducted by a special team, continues to examine whether any of those questioned have amassed disproportionate assets after handling the temple funds, and a detailed interim report is expected to be filed with the Supreme Court later in July.