Ram Mandir Donation Controversy: 8 Arrested, Trust Members Resign Amid ₹80 Lakh Seizure

The Ram Mandir trust in Ayodhya faces a major donation fraud scandal with alleged siphoning of ₹5-7.5 crore in temple offerings. Eight individuals have been arrested, including bank employees deployed for donation counting and trust administrators. Trust General Secretary Champat Rai (79) and prominent trustee Anil Mishra resigned following the allegations. Police seized approximately ₹80 lakh during investigation, revealing systemic misappropriation within temple finance management.

BACKGROUND: The Ram Mandir, inaugurated in January 2024, receives substantial daily donations from millions of pilgrims. The trust structure manages these funds for temple operations, renovation, and charitable activities. Champat Rai, a chemistry lecturer-turned-administrator, had become a central figure in temple management. Questions about financial transparency and governance have emerged.

KEY FACTS: Five to six arrested individuals are bank employees handling cash counting. Samajwadi Party allegations triggered investigation. Prosecution initiated for criminal breach of trust, criminal conspiracy, and misappropriation. The scandal implicates both administrative and banking officials in systematic diversion of funds.

WHY IT MATTERS: This raises questions about institutional governance, financial transparency in religious trusts, and accountability of administrators managing public religious properties. The scandal damages institutional credibility and raises concerns about administrative oversight of major religious institutions.

EXAM ANGLE: Questions on trust law, institutional governance, financial accountability, criminal law provisions on misappropriation, and regulations governing religious institutions. Connect to administrative accountability, rule of law, and institutional transparency in public institutions.