Authorities in Ayodhya booked eight individuals on Friday following allegations that donations to the Ram Mandir were misappropriated [2].

The case targets the financial integrity of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, an organization managing one of India's most significant religious sites. Any breach of trust regarding public donations could impact the trust's reputation and future fundraising efforts.

The legal action began after trustee Krishna Mohan filed a complaint alleging the theft of up to Rs 7.5 crore [3, 4]. This complaint led to the lodging of a First Information Report (FIR) on June 26, 2026 [1, 2]. The FIR charges the accused with theft and criminal breach of trust [2].

Among those named in the proceedings are Avinash Shukla and Anukalp Mishra [1]. While reports on the number of immediate detentions vary, some sources said two people were arrested [5], while others indicate eight accused were taken into custody hours after the FIR was lodged [3].

The investigation follows findings from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report [1]. The scale of the alleged theft has already triggered leadership changes within the trust. General Secretary Champat Rai resigned on moral grounds, and trustee Anil Mishra also quit his position [0].

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the situation following the reports of the financial discrepancy. "Guilty won't be spared," Adityanath said [3].

“"Guilty won't be spared."”

The resignation of high-ranking officials alongside the SIT-led arrests suggests a systemic failure in the financial oversight of the Ram Mandir Trust. Because the temple relies heavily on public contributions, the legal outcome of this case will likely determine whether the trust implements more stringent third-party auditing to maintain donor confidence.