Caught Stealing! CCTV Footage Exposes Massive Theft of Donation Money at Ram Temple

Ayodhya: In a major embarrassment for the Ram Temple administration, extensive review of CCTV footage has reportedly uncovered systematic theft of donation money, with thieves caught on camera on at least 70 occasions between 27 April and 5 June. The sensational case has triggered a full-scale investigation, exposing serious lapses in cash handling and security at the shrine.

According to reports, internal probes have revealed multiple red flags, including major flaws in the handling of cash, significant loopholes in internal audit reports, discrepancies in the number of donation boxes recorded, and inadequate CCTV coverage in key areas. Authorities say the thefts point to deep-rooted irregularities in the management of public donations.

Temple Thieves on Camera

Prominently featured in the footage is Manish Kumar Yadav, who was allegedly seen stealing multiple times. Another accused, Ramshankar Yadav, is reportedly an aide linked to a top temple official. Questions are now being raised over the role of senior functionaries in the hiring and oversight of the suspects.

KC Verma, the Prosecution Officer, confirmed that eight accused have been arrested so far. All of them are either public servants or bank employees, leading to the imposition of corruption charges under relevant anti-graft laws.

According to reports and allegations, Rs 79,85,493 in cash was stolen from donation boxes. Gem-studded jewellery offered by devotees is also reported missing.

In contrast, silver blocks appear secure. Receipts confirm 38 kilos of silver recorded, including 25 kilos documented in July 2020. These were reportedly melted and stored safely in lockers. However, broader questions persist regarding other silver donations, with some donors (including groups claiming 60kg or 200kg contributions) raising concerns over missing receipts and untraced utilisation.

Court Proceedings

The accused were produced before the Anti-Corruption Court, where they were remanded to judicial custody till Monday, 29 June 2026. They will be produced again in court on Monday for further proceedings.

So far, ₹79,85,493 has been recovered from the accused. However, no money was recovered from one of the accused, identified as Subhash.

The case has sparked widespread outrage and renewed scrutiny over the accountability mechanisms at the Ram Mandir, which receives crores in donations from devotees across the country and abroad. Temple authorities and investigators have launched a deeper probe into possible larger conspiracies and systemic vulnerabilities.

Yogi Urges Oppn Not To Policise Matter; Vows Action Against People Attempting To Hurt Public Faith 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the issue strongly while inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for 106 development projects worth over ₹456 crore in Deoria. He lashed out at the opposition, accusing them of politicising the matter for gains after having opposed the temple’s construction for years.

“Those who had opposed the temple construction were now raising the issue for political gain,” the CM said. He emphasised the government’s “zero-tolerance” policy against anyone attempting to hurt public faith.

Adityanath highlighted the contrast: “One side used to say that Lord Ram doesn’t even exist... They kept fighting the case in court... and the other side is the one that would wield sticks and fire bullets at those chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram.’ Those who would fire bullets at the mere mention of Lord Ram’s name are now saying that there has been tampering with faith.”

He appealed to all parties not to test the patience of Ram devotees. “If there are no facts or evidence, then stop the accusations... and if there is evidence, then present it before the SIT. The government is proceeding with the action as per the SIT’s recommendations,” he added. The CM reiterated that the absolute truth would be brought to light and urged cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

Also Read: ₹7 Cr Embezzled, Who's The Whistleblower, Key Resignations: All You Need To Know About Ram Temple Donation Row