A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has confirmed 70 instances of donation theft at Ayodhya's Ram Temple, all occurring during the evening counting shift. The temple has now replaced its two‑shift system with a single‑shift process to curb further losses.

Key Takeaways

  • 70 donation thefts recorded over 40 days, exclusively during the evening shift
  • Primary accused Avinash Shukla linked to more than 50 incidents
  • Temple shifted from a two‑shift to a single‑shift counting schedule (9 am‑6 pm)

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in the Ram Temple’s donation‑counting process has uncovered a disturbing pattern: at least 70 thefts took place within a 40‑day window, and every single incident occurred during the evening shift (2 pm‑9 pm).

Background and Initial Outcry

On June 13, the Uttar Pradesh government formed a three‑member SIT after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust raised concerns about possible embezzlement. The controversy erupted when Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav publicly alleged that temple donations were being siphoned off, prompting a formal request for an inquiry.

Investigation Findings

During custodial interrogation, accused Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey disclosed that the thefts were confined to the second counting shift. Shukla emerged as the principal perpetrator, implicated in more than 50 of the 70 thefts. He and Mishra reportedly collaborated, sometimes stealing twice in a single day; on five occasions, thefts occurred three times within 24 hours.

Operational Overhaul

In response, the temple administration abolished the dual‑shift system (6 am‑2 pm and 2 pm‑9 pm) and now conducts donation counting only between 9 am and 6 pm. The move aims to eliminate the window that facilitated the evening‑shift pilferage. Additional directives include stricter CCTV monitoring, mandatory frisking of personnel, and tighter supervisory oversight.

Political and Social Ramifications

Ram Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra assured reporters that devotees have not expressed dissatisfaction with worship or temple facilities. He dismissed claims of dwindling footfall as mere rumors, emphasizing continued pilgrim confidence. Nonetheless, opposition parties and civil‑society groups are demanding accountability from former senior trustees, even though none have been named in the FIR to date.

The SIT has also ordered a fresh audit of the trust’s finances for the past five years and a review of expenditures on major events over the last two years, signaling a broader push for financial transparency in religious institutions.