Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation Counting Shift Changed Following Major Theft Scandal

In a significant development following the donation theft scandal at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the temple administration has implemented a major change in the process of counting offerings. According to the latest decision, the counting of donations will now be conducted in a single shift only, while this move aims to enhance transparency and security in the handling of the temple's financial offerings, which have recently been the subject of intense national scrutiny and concern among devotees.

New Schedule for Donation Counting

The temple authorities have decided that the counting of the offerings will now take place strictly between 9 AM and 6 PM. Previously, the process might have involved multiple shifts or different timings, but the new single-shift system is designed to ensure better monitoring and accountability. This decision comes as a direct response to the theft case that has sparked widespread discussion across the country, prompting the administration to tighten its financial protocols.

Restrictions on Ex-Servicemen and Gag Order

Another critical aspect of this case involves the personnel working at the temple. It has been revealed that following the discovery of the theft, a gag order was placed on the ex-servicemen employed at the Ram Mandir, while these individuals were strictly prohibited from speaking about the incident to any outside parties or the media. Reports indicate that a message was circulated within a WhatsApp group named Ayodhya Dham Purv Sainik Seva Samuh, instructing all members to remain silent if questioned about the matter. A screenshot of this WhatsApp group message has surfaced on social media, suggesting that there were concerted efforts to keep the details of the incident under wraps even after the theft came to light.

Modus Operandi: Stock Market Investments

The investigation into the theft has uncovered a sophisticated method used by the accused to handle the stolen funds. It was found that the individuals involved in the theft were investing the stolen money into the stock market. To conceal the origin of the funds, the accused followed a specific laundering process. They would first deposit the stolen cash into the bank accounts of their acquaintances and relatives. Subsequently, these funds were transferred into their own personal accounts. This strategy was employed to hide the source of the money and make the transactions appear legitimate before the funds were funneled into various stock market investments.

Timeline of the Incident and Resignations

The donation theft case first came to light in June 2026. The allegations suggested that a significant portion of the funds offered by devotees at the Ram Mandir was being systematically siphoned off. In the ensuing police action, 8 individuals were arrested in connection with the crime. The scandal led to high-level administrative changes within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the trust, and Anil Mishra, a prominent trustee, tendered their resignations following the incident. These resignations were formally accepted during a trust meeting, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the public outcry that followed the revelations. The case continues to be a major point of discussion as the temple management works to restore trust and ensure the security of the sacred offerings.