Ram Mandir Tightens Donation Counting Rules After Alleged Theft Row

Anirudh Jain - Kolkata Bureau Jul 11, 2026 4,850 Views

Following the arrest of eight staff members for alleged embezzlement, the Ram Mandir Trust has tightened donation protocols. New measures include pocketless uniforms, a ban on personal belongings in counting areas, and stricter CCTV surveillance, as the SIT continues its investigation into irregularities in the handling of temple offerings.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has introduced stringent security and counting protocols following an investigation into the embezzlement of devotees' offerings.

AYODHYA — In response to an ongoing probe into the alleged misappropriation of funds at the Ram Mandir, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has implemented a rigorous new donation counting system. The overhauled protocols, designed to ensure transparency and prevent the siphoning of cash and valuables, follow the arrest of eight individuals associated with the temple's donation handling operations.

The new measures, which took effect this month, include enhanced surveillance and strict administrative controls for all personnel. These changes come as a Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues its inquiry into irregularities that investigators allege peaked during the 2025 Maha Kumbh.

Stringent Security and Operational Overhaul

The Trust has instituted a "two-tier" security screening process for all staff members involved in the donation counting room. Under the revised guidelines, employees are now required to wear designated dark blue uniforms that are specifically designed without pockets, effectively eliminating the possibility of concealing cash or jewelry.

Furthermore, the physical environment of the counting room has been modified to minimize risks:

Floor-Based Counting: Staff members are now required to count donations while seated on the floor rather than at tables, ensuring the process remains visible and controlled.
Strict Access Control: Mobile phones, cameras, bags, and personal belongings are strictly prohibited inside the counting hall.
Security Checkpoints: Personnel must undergo repeated frisking and security checks before entering and during any breaks, including those for restrooms.

SIT Investigation and Accountability

The Uttar Pradesh government formed the SIT in June 2026 after reports emerged of discrepancies in donation deposits. Preliminary findings by the SIT suggest that significant amounts—estimated by investigators at between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 8 lakh daily—may have been siphoned off.

Following the internal and external scrutiny, the Trust has accepted the resignations of senior officials, including General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra. Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj emphasized that the Trust is cooperating fully with the investigation and has begun an audit of its financial records to reassure devotees of the institution's integrity.

Official Statements on Transparency

According to official statements from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the organization is committed to restoring public faith. Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj confirmed that all high-value items, including over 30 kg of gold and 1,518 kg of silver, are fully accounted for. The Trust has also announced plans to appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to oversee administration and bolster institutional oversight.

"The trustees are deeply saddened and concerned over the irregularities in the counting of devotees' offerings," the Trust stated in a recent press release. They reiterated that an independent chartered accountant verifies physical offerings annually, and the SIT probe is expected to conclude by late July.

Why It Matters

For millions of devotees, the Ram Mandir represents a place of profound spiritual significance. The alleged donation theft has sparked widespread public concern regarding the financial management of the temple’s massive donation pool, which has seen thousands of crores in contributions since the start of the Nidhi Samarpan campaign. By enforcing tighter controls, the Trust aims to preserve the sanctity of the temple and maintain the trust of contributors who expect their offerings to be managed with complete transparency.

Key Facts at a Glance

New Dress Code: Counting staff must now wear pocketless, dark blue uniforms.
Security Measures: Mobile phones, bags, and other personal items are banned from the counting room.
Counting Protocol: The process has moved from tables to floor-based counting to prevent the concealment of valuables.
Ongoing Inquiry: Eight individuals have been arrested, and the SIT’s mandate has been extended until July 15.
Administrative Changes: The Trust has accepted the resignations of key officials and is moving to appoint a new CEO.

FAQ Section

Are donations at the Ram Mandir still safe? The Trust asserts that all precious metal and cash donations are accounted for and that the new security measures are designed to prevent future irregularities.
What happens if I donate now? Donors can continue to contribute through established channels. The Trust provides digital receipts for online and direct bank donations to ensure full traceability.
When will the investigation results be public? The Trust expects to receive the final SIT report following their next meeting on July 22, 2026.
Can the public influence temple administration? The Trust is currently reviewing its by-laws and administrative structure to improve transparency and oversight in response to the public outcry.