A fresh disclosure has added another layer to the Ram Temple donation theft row in Ayodhya. A letter written by former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra general secretary Champat Rai reportedly says the Trust recovered cash from the accused before Ayodhya Police registered an FIR. The Indian Express report says the alleged theft surfaced during donation counting on June 4, 2026, while the police case was filed on June 25. Nearly Rs 80 lakh has since been recovered, according to police.
Key Highlights
- Champat Rai’s letter reportedly says suspects returned cash and submitted written admissions by June 8.
- The Trust questioned identified counting staff before approaching police with a formal complaint.
- Eight men were arrested after CCTV footage allegedly showed cash bundles hidden in clothes and socks.
- The Supreme Court has sought a time-bound status report from the reconstituted investigation team.
What Does Champat Rai’s Letter Reveal About The Pre-FIR Recovery?
According to the letter, a trustee was alerted on June 4 that five or six youths may have removed cash from donation boxes. CCTV footage was checked the next morning, helping the Trust identify suspects. Instead of filing an immediate police complaint, officials allegedly questioned them.
Rai reportedly wrote that the accused and their family members returned money by June 8 and gave written statements accepting involvement. The disclosure places the Trust’s internal recovery effort nearly three weeks before the FIR. It also raises questions about why the matter was first handled internally, how much was returned, and whether evidence was preserved before police entered the case. These points remain under investigation.
The letter was submitted on June 27, two days after the FIR. The Trust treated it as Rai’s resignation and accepted it during its July 6 meeting. Trustee Anil Mishra’s resignation was also accepted during the leadership reshuffle.
How Was The Alleged Ram Temple Donation Theft Detected?
Police scrutiny expanded after investigators examined 45 days of CCTV footage from the counting centre. A separate Indian Express investigation into the footage reported that five accused could allegedly be seen removing currency bundles and hiding notes in clothing or socks. Eight men were arrested, including personnel connected with donation counting and people linked through family or work relationships.
The case exposed gaps in the cash-handling chain. Investigators reportedly found inadequate frisking, weak live CCTV monitoring, limited footage retention and loose staff selection. The counting process involved Trust personnel, bank representatives and outsourced staff, yet responsibility was spread across several actors without strong daily checks.
A related official Indian Express post on X captured the political fallout over the donation allegations. It is not the source of the latest letter disclosure, but shows how quickly the case became a national argument.
Why Has The SIT And Supreme Court Scrutiny Intensified?
The Trust reportedly asked the Uttar Pradesh government to form a Special Investigation Team after the controversy became public. The probe has widened beyond counting staff to examine supervision, hiring, bank involvement and compliance with security procedures.
A preliminary probe reportedly cited around 70 suspected theft instances involving six accused over roughly 40 days. Investigators also questioned why CCTV recordings were kept for only 45 days when an internal audit had recommended longer retention. The limited archive may prevent investigators from checking whether similar activity occurred earlier.
On July 27, the Supreme Court directed the SIT to file a status report within two weeks. The court also asked Uttar Pradesh to add a forensic auditor. The reconstituted SIT is headed by IGP Kiran S and includes senior police officers. Attention will now move toward the financial trail, records and institutional responsibility, not only cash recovery.
What Changes Could Follow The Ram Temple Donation Row?
The controversy may force the Trust to rebuild its donation system around stricter access, independent supervision and longer digital records. An Indian Express comparison of major temple safeguards notes that several large shrines use frisking, pocketless clothing, statutory registers, multiple witnesses, vigilance teams and separation of duties. Ayodhya’s system is Trust-led and not governed through a dedicated temple administration law.
The immediate focus will remain on the SIT report, forensic audit and delayed reporting. The case also comes as the temple prepares for heavier Sawan footfall, with daily attendance reportedly near 80,000 to one lakh and expected to rise. Crowd controls will be visible to devotees, but tighter donation-room checks will decide whether public trust can be restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cash has been recovered in the Ram Temple donation theft case?
Police said nearly Rs 80 lakh was recovered from accused linked to donation counting duties.
When was the FIR filed in the Ram Temple donation case?
The FIR was registered on June 25, 2026, following a complaint filed by the Trust.
What happened to Champat Rai after the controversy?
Champat Rai’s communication was treated as a resignation and formally accepted during the Trust’s July meeting.
What did the Supreme Court order in the case?
The Supreme Court asked the SIT to submit its investigation status report within two weeks.
Which security failures were identified during the investigation?
Investigators cited weak frisking, limited CCTV retention, poor supervision, and irregular hiring during donation counting.
