'Nobody Will Be Spared... Those Playing With Sanatan Will Be Punished': CM Yogi Vows Strict Action In Ram Temple Donation Theft

New Delhi: In a move signaling a severe crackdown on irregularities following allegations of theft of offerings at the Ayodhya Ram temple, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated his administration's iron-fisted stance on corruption. 

On Friday, he declared that the Uttar Pradesh government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach toward anyone attempting to exploit Sanatan values or the public’s faith.

Reacting to the recent arrest of eight individuals accused of embezzling donations intended for the Ayodhya Ram Temple, the Chief Minister noted that enforcement action began as soon as the SIT submitted its report, reaffirming his government’s commitment that there would be no compromise on issues involving Ayodhya.

Yogi added, "The government is proceeding with the action as per the SIT's recommendations, and while the team of senior officials is working, stop making political statements about it."

Facts laid bare

Addressing the developments, Chief Minister Adityanath in Deoria reiterated the promise he made on June 19, vowing that the truth regarding the donations would be fully revealed. 

With the investigation now moving into the formal prosecution stage following the submission of a report by a specially constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT), the CM made his stance clear stating, "Action commenced the moment the SIT report was submitted. I had promised that the truth would be fully revealed- that the facts would be laid bare. No one who trifles with the faith of Sanatan Dharma will be spared."

‘Those who would fire bullets…’

Furthermore, in a stinging rebuke aimed at political detractors, the Chief Minister highlighted what he described as a hypocritical shift in narrative from those now criticizing the management of temple affairs.

Without naming individuals directly, he added, "Those who would fire bullets at the mere mention of Lord Ram's name are now saying that there has been tampering with faith... They would incite riots on Ram Navami, ban Shri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, prevent the Kanwar Yatra from taking place, incite riots during Durga Puja... Remember, the Congress didn't just loot the country; they tore it apart…" 

Taking aim at the Congress, Yogi accused the party of institutionalising corruption and dishonesty and said attempts were being made to distract attention from the investigation.

"Remember, the Congress did not merely indulge in corruption but also weakened the country. The same people who set records in dishonesty and corruption are now casting aspersions on Ayodhya - and that is unacceptable".
 

Prominent figures in question

The Chief Minister emphasized that the Uttar Pradesh government is maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against any attempts to exploit public faith or the values of Sanatan Dharma.

He underscored that the administration is operating with a "no one will be spared" policy, indicating that the ongoing investigation could reach beyond the initial suspects to include prominent figures if evidence of complicity is found.

Sources within the government suggest that the crackdown is intended to send a clear message that the administration will not tolerate any corruption that threatens the dignity and decorum of the Ram Temple. 

8 arrests made

The remarks came a day after the Uttar Pradesh Police have named eight individuals in the FIR registered in connection with the alleged misappropriation of donations and offerings made by devotees at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.

All eight accused in the Shri Ram Temple embezzlement case have been formally arrested by the Ayodhya police, who had previously taken them into custody.  All eight accused arrested in Ram Mandir donation case will be presented before Ayodhya District Court.

Notably, the case was registered on the complaint of Krishna Mohan, trustee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, based on recommendations in the preliminary SIT report.

The eight accused named in the FIR are:

• Tinnu Yadav 
• Anukalp Mishra 
• Lavkush Mishra
• Manish Yadav 
• Subhash Srivastava
• Avinash Shukla 
• Karunesh Pandey 
• Ramashankar Mishra

The FIR details allegations of intentional theft, habitual theft, aiding theft and criminal breach of trust by someone in a position of responsibility, all under a criminal conspiracy. The provisions related to embezzlement and cheating have also been applied. 

Why the row

The SIT was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13 after allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in handling temple donations and offerings.

Sources indicate the investigation uncovered critical lapses in donation management, spanning cash handling, employee screening, and security protocols. 

The probe is scrutinizing how local, private-agency staff were recruited, as well as inventory practices regarding gold, silver, and other valuables.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has dismissed criticism from opposition leaders like Akhilesh Yadav- who accused the government of shielding “big fish”- as politically motivated attempts to undermine the investigation. 

As the inquiry continues, focus has shifted to whether the fallout will lead to broader structural reforms within the temple trust.