Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Case: Police say the probe is nearing completion, with eight arrests made and a chargesheet expected by September-end.
 Police say key aspects of the alleged donation embezzlement and theft case have been examined; eight people have been arrested so far
By Qalam Times News Network
Ayodhya | August 9, 2026
AYODHYA RAM TEMPLE DONATION CASE investigators have completed several crucial parts of their probe into allegations of theft and misappropriation of devotees’ offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. Police officials have indicated that the chargesheet is expected to be submitted before the court by the end of September, subject to completion of the remaining legal and procedural formalities.
The Ayodhya Ram Temple donation case was registered at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station on June 25 following allegations concerning the handling, counting and alleged diversion of donations received at the temple. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Grover said the investigation is being conducted within the 90-day legal framework and that the police expect to file the chargesheet by the end of September.
According to Grover, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted in connection with the matter is not conducting a separate investigation alongside the police. Instead, the four-member team is functioning in an advisory and supervisory capacity, assisting the investigating authorities at a higher level.
The SIT is headed by Lucknow IGP Kiran S., who has previously served with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for five years. The constitution of the SIT followed suggestions made by the Supreme Court, after which the Uttar Pradesh government formally set up the team on July 25. On July 27, the Supreme Court also directed the state government to include a forensic auditor as the fifth member of the team.
Police officials have said that the investigation has moved into an important documentation stage. Investigating Officer and Circle Officer Ashutosh Tiwari said that questioning of the arrested accused produced additional information and evidence, and investigators are now incorporating those findings into the case records before completing the final investigation.
Eight Arrests So Far as Probe Moves Towards Chargesheet
Eight people have so far been arrested in connection with the FIR and sent to judicial custody. Those arrested include Tinnu Yadav, described as being close to former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai; Subhash Srivastava, who was associated with the counting of donations; Ramashankar Mishra, Manish Yadav, Karunesh, Luvkush Mishra, Anukalp and Avinash Shukla.
PM at Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir Dhwajarohan Utsav, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on November 25, 2025.
Police have questioned the arrested individuals after obtaining their remand, and investigators say the information gathered during interrogation is being examined alongside documentary and other evidence.
The case has also generated a political and legal debate over whether additional individuals should be named as accused. Kalika Mishra, president of the Faizabad Bar Association, has said that the association could approach the court seeking registration of an FIR against Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao if their names are not included in the existing case.
The allegations have drawn criticism from the Opposition, including Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai, who has questioned the handling of the matter. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also commented on the controversy, saying that allegations involving donations at the Ram temple have hurt the sentiments and faith of devotees.
With the police investigation approaching its final stage, the next significant development is expected to be the filing of the chargesheet. Investigators will have to place the evidence gathered during the probe before the court, where the allegations and the responsibility of each accused will ultimately be tested through the judicial process.
It is important to note that the allegations remain subject to judicial determination, and arrest or inclusion in the investigation does not by itself establish guilt.
