The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has rolled out a new surveillance system to monitor donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. With this, the trust aims to make the handling of devotees' offerings more transparent as authorities continue investigating an alleged embezzlement case.Under the new protocol, which was put into action starting July 25, every stage of the donation process, from collecting donation boxes inside the temple to counting the cash, is being recorded on video, a senior Trust official said.An eight-member monitoring team has also been deployed to oversee the entire process.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/buying-russian-oil-could-cost-india-dearly-mea-breaks-silence-on-us-100-tariff-bill-india-closely-monitoring-situation-1785545926163">Buying Russian oil could cost India dearly? MEA breaks silence on US 100% tariff bill</a><h2>360-degree cameras, bank officials to oversee counting</h2>According to the Trust, 360-degree cameras and SLR cameras are being used to create a complete visual record from the moment donation boxes are removed from the temple until the money is counted.The Trust has also changed its collection process. Earlier, several of the temple's around 40 donation boxes were opened together. Under the revised system, they are emptied on different days to allow closer scrutiny of each collection. Additionally, two professional videographers have been appointed to record the exercise.Each counting session is conducted in the presence of two bank officials, two Trust representatives and two security personnel. After the counting is completed, officials from the State Bank of India formally seal the donation box.Trust officials said the measures are intended to strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in the donation process.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/child-marriage-still-exists-in-india-in-2026-ncw-sets-2030-deadline-to-end-it-1785485550409">Child marriage still exists in India in 2026? NCW sets 2030 deadline to end it</a><h2>Move follows alleged donation theft</h2>The tighter monitoring comes weeks after allegations of theft from temple donations prompted the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Police have arrested multiple accused in connection with the case, and the investigation is ongoing.Officials said the combination of continuous videography, multi-agency supervision and bank involvement is designed to eliminate opportunities for manipulation while also making audits easier and helping address any complaints from devotees.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has begun recording every stage of the Ram Temple's donation process using 360-degree cameras, SLR cameras and an eight-member monitoring team. The move follows an alleged donation embezzlement case.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has rolled out a new surveillance system to monitor donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. With this, the trust aims to make the handling of devotees' offerings more transparent as authorities continue investigating an alleged embezzlement case. Under the new protocol, which was put into action starting July 25, every stage of the donation process, from collecting donation boxes inside the temple to counting the cash, is being recorded on video, a senior Trust official said. An eight-member monitoring team has also been deployed to oversee the entire process. Also read | Buying Russian oil could cost India dearly? MEA breaks silence on US 100% tariff bill 360-degree cameras, bank officials to oversee counting According to the Trust, 360-degree cameras and SLR cameras are being used to create a complete visual record from the moment donation boxes are removed from the temple until the money is counted. The Trust has also changed its collection process. Earlier, several of the temple's around 40 donation boxes were opened together. Under the revised system, they are emptied on different days to allow closer scrutiny of each collection. Additionally, two professional videographers have been appointed to record the exercise. Each counting session is conducted in the presence of two bank officials, two Trust representatives and two security personnel. After the counting is completed, officials from the State Bank of India formally seal the donation box. Trust officials said the measures are intended to strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in the donation process. Also read | Child marriage still exists in India in 2026? NCW sets 2030 deadline to end it Move follows alleged donation theft The tighter monitoring comes weeks after allegations of theft from temple donations prompted the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Police have arrested multiple accused in connection with the case, and the investigation is ongoing. Officials said the combination of continuous videography, multi-agency supervision and bank involvement is designed to eliminate opportunities for manipulation while also making audits easier and helping address any complaints from devotees.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has begun recording every stage of the Ram Temple's donation process using 360-degree cameras, SLR cameras and an eight-member monitoring team. The move follows an alleged donation embezzlement case.

360-degree cameras and more: Ayodhya Ram Temple starts video-recording every donation amid donation theft, embezzlement probe

Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday broke his silence for the first time since resigning amid the alleged Ram temple donation theft controversy, saying he would respond to all allegations against him only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report.&nbsp;"Since June 7, 2026, various types of discussions/rumors have been going on regarding a theft committed during the counting of the donation box at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple premises. Personally, people have made baseless allegations against me. I have taken a vow of silence," he wrote in the Hindi letter posted on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">धीरज धर्म मित्र अरु नारी, आपद काल परिखिअहिं चारी। <a href="https://t.co/PHtGs95ass">pic.twitter.com/PHtGs95ass</a>&mdash; Champat Rai (@ChampatRaiVHP) <a href="https://x.com/ChampatRaiVHP/status/2074466087694188800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The trust oversees the management of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Rai had played a leading role in the temple's administration even before construction of the shrine began.&nbsp;The controversy erupted after authorities alleged that people involved in counting donations from the temple collection boxes had embezzled crores of rupees. So far, eight people have been arrested in the case, with several accused allegedly found living lifestyles that did not match their known sources of income.&nbsp;Referring to the trust meeting held on July 6, Rai said, "In the meeting of the Temple Trust concluded on July 6, the preliminary report of the SIT (Special Investigation Team) was presented; this report has now become public. I assure all of you that after the final report of the SIT comes out, I will give my response chronologically on all the points."&nbsp;Rai also defended his public life, saying he had been working in Ayodhya since October 1991 after being deputed there by the organisation and had served as a pracharak for 45 years. "Wherever I have served, my life has remained an open book," he wrote.&nbsp;His statement came a day after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accepted the resignations of Rai and Anil Mishra amid the controversy surrounding the alleged theft of temple donations. The trust said both ceased to be trustees immediately after their resignations were accepted.

Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai said he would respond to all allegations chronologically after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report.

Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday broke his silence for the first time since resigning amid the alleged Ram temple donation theft controversy, saying he would respond to all allegations against him only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report. "Since June 7, 2026, various types of discussions/rumors have been going on regarding a theft committed during the counting of the donation box at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple premises. Personally, people have made baseless allegations against me. I have taken a vow of silence," he wrote in the Hindi letter posted on X.

Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai said he would respond to all allegations chronologically after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report.

'My life has remained an open book': Champat Rai breaks silence with open letter on Ram temple row

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has preponed its crucial executive committee meeting from July 11 to July 6 and is most likely to decide the fate of trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, who have handed over their resignations after the Ram Temple donation misappropriation case came to light.&nbsp;The Trust, headed by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the 87-year-old saint from Ayodhya, has asked all its 14 members to remain available for the July 6 meeting.&nbsp;The development follows the questioning of Champat Rai by the investigating officer on Monday.&nbsp;During the interrogation, Rai is reported to have denied any wrongdoing and said he was unaware of several aspects of the alleged irregularities. On matters related to the Trust’s internal functioning, he reportedly referred investigators to other members.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ethanol-blending-is-ongoing-experiment-impact-to-be-known-by-next-year-govt-tells-sc-1782819413430">Ethanol blending is ongoing experiment, impact to be known by next year: Govt tells SC</a>&nbsp;Police also recorded the statement of Trust member Krishna Mohan, who is also the complainant in the case.&nbsp;<h2>‘Several important matters required immediate discussion’</h2>&nbsp;In a communication sent to members, the trust’s treasurer Govind Dev Giri said the meeting had been advanced because several important matters required immediate discussion.The opposition leaders are targeting the BJP, RSS and the temple trust over the alleged embezzlement of donations worth several lakhs of rupees, though the investigators have not yet shared any figures so far. The donation theft has shaken the faith of devotees.&nbsp;&nbsp;The key issues that may be discussed in the meeting include the likely reorganisation of its day-to-day functioning and strengthening oversight mechanisms to improve transparency.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yasin-malik-faces-trial-in-sarla-bhat-rape-murder-case-35-years-after-brutal-crime-instilled-fear-in-kashmiri-pandits-triggered-exodus-1782752930044">Yasin Malik faces trial in Sarla Bhat rape-murder case 35 years after brutal crime instilled fear in Kashmiri Pandits</a>&nbsp;The Trust may also dwell upon adding more layers in its administrative structure after concerns were raised over the way of functioning as a handful of trust office-bearers were running the show with complete authority over all the internal matters and no record or documents were shared with others.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Trust’s last meeting was held on March 21, when preparations for Ram Navami celebrations were discussed. Meetings of the trust are held every three months.&nbsp;On June 27, Govind Dev Giri had confirmed that both Champat Rai and Anil Mishra had submitted their resignations.&nbsp;Rai and Mishra submitted their resignations on June 26 while taking moral responsibility after an FIR was registered in the case naming eight accused and several unidentified people.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-biz-honchos-accompanying-japan-s-pm-to-delhi-eager-to-ride-on-india-s-growth-story-1782768835501">50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story</a><h2>SIT widens its probe, looking into land purchases&nbsp;</h2>The meeting comes even as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the donation theft and is examining the role of trust office-bearers, banking officials and digital transactions linked to temple donations.&nbsp;After the arrest of eight accused, the SIT is also scrutinising office-bearers of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and officials of the State Bank of India associated with temple accounts besides examining the role of temple employees.&nbsp;The SIT is also looking into the land purchases made by the Trust and procurement of construction materials.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/starmer-announces-extra-15bn-for-defence-says-road-and-energy-projects-to-be-scrapped-for-funds-1782827331880">Starmer announces extra £15bn for defence, says road and energy projects to be scrapped for funds</a><h2>Bank accounts, digital trail being scrutinised</h2>&nbsp;The investigation has brought the Bank of Baroda’s Ayodhya branch under scrutiny after police served it a notice seeking account details linked to the case.The bank clarified that its role is limited to facilitating online QR-based donations and that it has no involvement in collecting, counting or managing physical offerings made at the Ram Temple.&nbsp;The investigators are also analysing UPI transactions, expenditure patterns and fund movements to determine whether digital payment records reveal any suspicious financial activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra submitted their resignations on June 26 while taking moral responsibility after an FIR was registered in the case naming eight accused and several unidentified people. 

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has preponed its crucial executive committee meeting from July 11 to July 6 and is most likely to decide the fate of trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, who have handed over their resignations after the Ram Temple donation misappropriation case came to light. The Trust, headed by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the 87-year-old saint from Ayodhya, has asked all its 14 members to remain available for the July 6 meeting. The development follows the questioning of Champat Rai by the investigating officer on Monday. During the interrogation, Rai is reported to have denied any wrongdoing and said he was unaware of several aspects of the alleged irregularities. On matters related to the Trust’s internal functioning, he reportedly referred investigators to other members. Also Read: Ethanol blending is ongoing experiment, impact to be known by next year: Govt tells SC Police also recorded the statement of Trust member Krishna Mohan, who is also the complainant in the case. ‘Several important matters required immediate discussion’ In a communication sent to members, the trust’s treasurer Govind Dev Giri said the meeting had been advanced because several important matters required immediate discussion. The opposition leaders are targeting the BJP, RSS and the temple trust over the alleged embezzlement of donations worth several lakhs of rupees, though the investigators have not yet shared any figures so far. The donation theft has shaken the faith of devotees. The key issues that may be discussed in the meeting include the likely reorganisation of its day-to-day functioning and strengthening oversight mechanisms to improve transparency. Also Read: Yasin Malik faces trial in Sarla Bhat rape-murder case 35 years after brutal crime instilled fear in Kashmiri Pandits The Trust may also dwell upon adding more layers in its administrative structure after concerns were raised over the way of functioning as a handful of trust office-bearers were running the show with complete authority over all the internal matters and no record or documents were shared with others. The Trust’s last meeting was held on March 21, when preparations for Ram Navami celebrations were discussed. Meetings of the trust are held every three months. On June 27, Govind Dev Giri had confirmed that both Champat Rai and Anil Mishra had submitted their resignations. Rai and Mishra submitted their resignations on June 26 while taking moral responsibility after an FIR was registered in the case naming eight accused and several unidentified people. Also Read: 50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story SIT widens its probe, looking into land purchases The meeting comes even as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the donation theft and is examining the role of trust office-bearers, banking officials and digital transactions linked to temple donations. After the arrest of eight accused, the SIT is also scrutinising office-bearers of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and officials of the State Bank of India associated with temple accounts besides examining the role of temple employees. The SIT is also looking into the land purchases made by the Trust and procurement of construction materials. Also Read: Starmer announces extra £15bn for defence, says road and energy projects to be scrapped for funds Bank accounts, digital trail being scrutinised The investigation has brought the Bank of Baroda’s Ayodhya branch under scrutiny after police served it a notice seeking account details linked to the case. The bank clarified that its role is limited to facilitating online QR-based donations and that it has no involvement in collecting, counting or managing physical offerings made at the Ram Temple. The investigators are also analysing UPI transactions, expenditure patterns and fund movements to determine whether digital payment records reveal any suspicious financial activity.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra submitted their resignations on June 26 while taking moral responsibility after an FIR was registered in the case naming eight accused and several unidentified people.&nbsp;

Ram Temple Trust prepones key meeting to July 6 as Champat Rai’s future hangs in balance after donation theft row

The Faizabad Bar Association on Monday (June 29) resolved that none of its members would represent the eight people arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The association warned that any lawyer violating the decision would face a penalty of ₹5 lakh.&nbsp;The resolution was passed at the association's general body meeting, a day after lawyers indicated they were unlikely to appear for the accused, saying the alleged theft of temple offerings had deeply hurt their sentiments.&nbsp;Bar Association secretary Shailendra Jaiswal said the decision reflected the views of the legal fraternity in Faizabad. "The sentiments of all of us have been hurt by the theft of temple offerings. The lawyers of Faizabad have agreed not to plead on behalf of the arrested accused," Jaiswal said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-defence-companies-sold-military-systems-to-qatar-saudi-arabia-despite-no-diplomatic-ties-report-1782663509488">Israeli defence companies sold military systems to Qatar, Saudi Arabia despite no diplomatic ties: Report</a>&nbsp;During the meeting, lawyers also demanded that Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao, who are associated with the management of the Ram Temple but are not named as accused in the FIR, should leave Ayodhya. The association warned that if the three did not leave the city within three days, Ayodhya would be blockaded and no one would be allowed to enter.&nbsp;The Bar Association also recalled adopting a similar position in 2005 after the terrorist attack on the then makeshift Ram Temple, when its members had resolved not to defend the accused in that case.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-missing-posters-seen-across-delhi-amid-bjp-s-attack-over-reported-foreign-trip-1782656297659">'Rahul Gandhi missing'? Posters seen across Delhi amid BJP's attack over reported foreign trip</a>&nbsp;The eight arrested in the alleged donation theft case are Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ram Shankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ramashankar alias Tinnu Yadav. According to the investigation, they were associated with counting cash and valuables received as donations at the Ram Temple.&nbsp;

The Faizabad Bar Association has banned members from representing eight individuals accused of embezzling Ram Temple donations, threatening heavy fines for non-compliance and demanding resignations of temple management officials.

The Faizabad Bar Association on Monday (June 29) resolved that none of its members would represent the eight people arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The association warned that any lawyer violating the decision would face a penalty of ₹5 lakh. The resolution was passed at the association's general body meeting, a day after lawyers indicated they were unlikely to appear for the accused, saying the alleged theft of temple offerings had deeply hurt their sentiments. Bar Association secretary Shailendra Jaiswal said the decision reflected the views of the legal fraternity in Faizabad. "The sentiments of all of us have been hurt by the theft of temple offerings. The lawyers of Faizabad have agreed not to plead on behalf of the arrested accused," Jaiswal said. Also read: Israeli defence companies sold military systems to Qatar, Saudi Arabia despite no diplomatic ties: Report During the meeting, lawyers also demanded that Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao, who are associated with the management of the Ram Temple but are not named as accused in the FIR, should leave Ayodhya. The association warned that if the three did not leave the city within three days, Ayodhya would be blockaded and no one would be allowed to enter. The Bar Association also recalled adopting a similar position in 2005 after the terrorist attack on the then makeshift Ram Temple, when its members had resolved not to defend the accused in that case. Also read: 'Rahul Gandhi missing'? Posters seen across Delhi amid BJP's attack over reported foreign trip The eight arrested in the alleged donation theft case are Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ram Shankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ramashankar alias Tinnu Yadav. According to the investigation, they were associated with counting cash and valuables received as donations at the Ram Temple.

The Faizabad Bar Association has banned members from representing eight individuals accused of embezzling Ram Temple donations, threatening heavy fines for non-compliance and demanding resignations of temple management officials.

₹5 lakh penalty for violators: Ayodhya Bar resolves not to defend accused in Ram Temple donation theft case

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360-degree cameras and more: Ayodhya Ram Temple starts video-recording every donation amid donation theft, embezzlement probe

'My life remained open book...': Champat Rai breaks silence on Ram temple row

Ram Temple Trust prepones key meeting as Champat Rai’s future hangs in balance

Ayodhya Bar resolves not to defend accused in Ram Temple donation theft case