Police investigations reveal 70 instances of donation theft at Ayodhya's Ram Temple within just 40 days. The temple administration has now shifted to a single‑shift counting system to curb further loss.
Key Takeaways
- 70 alleged thefts of temple donations reported over a 40‑day period.
- All incidents occurred during the evening (second) shift.
- Primary suspect Avinash Shukla is linked to more than 50 thefts.
- Temple now counts donations in a single shift (9 AM‑6 PM) to improve security.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, a focal point of religious and cultural significance, has been rocked by a series of alleged donation thefts. Police interrogations disclosed that, within a span of only 40 days, the temple’s “chadhava” (offering) funds were siphoned off on 70 separate occasions, shaking the confidence of devotees.
Background of the Incident and Investigation Trail
Historically, the temple recorded donations across two shifts – the first from 9 AM to 2 PM and the second from 2 PM to 9 PM. According to police, every reported theft took place during the second, evening shift. The primary suspects identified include Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey. Notably, Shukla is alleged to have participated in more than 50 of the 70 thefts, with several days witnessing two or three separate attempts on the same day.
Revamped Counting Mechanism
In response to the investigation’s findings, temple authorities have taken decisive action by consolidating the counting process into a single shift running from 9 AM to 6 PM. The new protocol mandates digital receipts for every donation and grants each staff member the authority to independently verify entries, thereby limiting opportunities for collusion.
Expert Opinions and Potential Impact
Religious scholars warn that such thefts not only inflict financial loss but also erode public trust in sacred institutions. They advocate for robust digital tracking, regular audits, and the formation of an external oversight committee to prevent recurrence. Moreover, they stress that law‑enforcement must ensure a transparent probe and bring all accused before the judiciary.
Next Steps in the Probe
Police are currently cross‑checking the interrogation statements with forensic evidence and are preparing to re‑arrest two additional suspects on remand. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been instructed to remain in Ayodhya until the case is fully resolved. The temple management has also proposed heightened security measures, including stricter VIP pass controls and expanded CCTV coverage.
As the investigation unfolds, devotees and civil society groups are demanding greater accountability and transparency, hoping that the revised system will safeguard future donations and restore confidence in the temple’s stewardship.
