Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust Feud: Dinendra Das Blames Gopal Rao

Congress MP K. C. Venugopal has raised concerns over the alleged irregularities in donations to the Ram Mandir trust, stating that the trust was nominated by the central government. He said that the donations were made by poor devotees who have deep faith in Lord Ram, and questioned attempts to justify the alleged wrongdoing.

He further alleged that those defending the incident and criticising the people raising questions are effectively protecting the accused. Venugopal stressed that the matter requires a fair and impartial investigation to ensure accountability and transparency.

Accused Tinnu Yadav’s brother Dinesh Yadav has alleged that senior individuals are trying to protect themselves by implicating smaller players in the Ram Mandir donation theft case. Defending his brother, he claimed that Tinnu is innocent and has been falsely framed. He further alleged that Champat Rai and Anil Mishra are responsible for framing him in the case.

Police have taken jailed accused Avinash Shukla on a 24-hour remand in connection with the ongoing donation theft investigation. During earlier searches at his residence, officials recovered ₹20 lakh in cash, over 1,000 US dollars, and jewellery.

The accused was produced before the court today, where police had sought a 48-hour remand. Investigators are now questioning him to determine how many others may be involved in the alleged donation theft case and to examine the possible role of trust members in the incident.

Maharashtra Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have “corrupted the entire system”, claiming that even the Ram Mandir issue has not remained untouched.

Referring to the alleged donation theft case related to the Ram Temple, he said that “mere investigation is not enough” and argued that the political environment created in the country has weakened democratic institutions. He further alleged that political parties are being split using money power, legislators and MPs are being “bought and sold”, and lawmakers are being shifted between places with consent from the top leadership. According to him, such widespread corruption in the system makes even sacred institutions vulnerable.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the alleged roles of Champat Rai, Trustee Anil Mishra, and invited member Gopal Rao in the Ram Temple donation theft case.

According to sources, the SIT is currently questioning accused individuals in Ayodhya and expanding its investigation into the involvement of the temple trust officials. Earlier, the SIT conducted a six-day probe, during which it reportedly gathered evidence against eight accused, leading to their arrest and the transfer of the case to the police for further investigation.

It is also being reported that a meeting of the temple trust is scheduled in Ayodhya on July 6, where a decision on the resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra may be taken. Before this, the SIT aims to establish the exact roles of those under scrutiny.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said that action will be taken against anyone found guilty of theft. He added that the statements being made by Akhilesh Yadav are pushing the Samajwadi Party towards decline.

Maurya further said that those who worked selflessly during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, including Champat Rai and others, are deeply hurt by the incident. However, he questioned the relevance of giving excessive attention to the issue, stating that while action will be taken against anyone involved in wrongdoing, there is no justification for turning it into a major controversy.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has once again reached Ayodhya to investigate the alleged Ram Temple donation theft. The team is likely to question trustee Anil Mishra today.

Ahead of a march to the Ram Janmabhoomi police station to seek the registration of an FIR in the Ram Temple donation theft case, Faizabad Bar Association President Kalika Prasad Mishra said, “We have reached a point from which there is no turning back.”

Police, the Special Security Force (SSF), Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are deployed to secure the Ram Temple, with personnel normally rotated every 15 days. However, this rotation reportedly did not apply to the donation counting team.

Instead, many of the same staff remained assigned to counting duties for more than one or two years, as the rosters were allegedly controlled by counting in-charges Subhash and Tinnu Yadav. Investigators believe this allowed the alleged manipulation to continue unchecked. The role of private security personnel is also under investigation.

Meanwhile, there is growing speculation that the Ram Temple donation theft case could be handed over to the CBI for further investigation.

The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has issued a notice to Supriya Mishra, wife of Lavkush Mishra, an accused in the Ram Temple donation theft case, over a building being constructed in her name. The authority said its investigation found violations of building regulations during the construction.

Ayodhya police have filed a remand application in court on Thursday seeking custody of accused Avinash Shukla for further questioning in the Ram Mandir donation theft case.

Earlier on Tuesday, police had also interrogated him inside the jail. During the investigation of a house in Ayodhya where Avinash reportedly ran a yoga centre, police recovered an iron box marked “Ram Rajya Kosh”.

Police said that so far Avinash Shukla has emerged as a key accused in the donation theft case.

Ayodhya police reached the Ram Mandir on Thursday around 11 am as part of the investigation into the alleged donation theft case. The team conducted the inspection for nearly two hours.

Officials examined the room where temple offerings are counted. According to sources, Circle Officer Ashutosh Tiwari led the investigation team. He took detailed information from staff about the entire process of counting donations.

Some employees were also questioned about the accused and their possible involvement. The team also tried to understand the extent of influence the accused had in temple administration.

In Ayodhya’s Shahadatganj area, construction work is underway at the house of accused Luvkush Mishra in the Ram Mandir donation theft case.

Neighbour Rajkumar Pandey said the construction of the house began in February last year. He added that when the “Bhoomi Pujan” was conducted, the accused had invited neighbours as well.

Pandey said the accused used to visit the site regularly on his motorcycle to supervise the construction work. He also stated that police had come to the area and questioned residents.

He further said that the Ram Mandir is a centre of faith for millions of devotees and added that there should be no forgiveness for such an offence.

During the protest in Ayodhya, advocate Satya Prakash Maurya said the lawyers had resolved not to leave until an FIR was registered.

“We have decided that we will leave only after an FIR is lodged. Otherwise, we will stay here. Lawyers will march to the police station and stage a protest there,” he said.

Maurya added that there was a time when Ayodhya’s name resonated across the country, but today people are looking at it in a negative light. Alleging that “thieves have settled here”, he demanded that such people be removed, the trust be dissolved, and new members be inducted into it.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said that the way Akhilesh Yadav is handling the issue is pushing the Samajwadi Party further into decline.

He said that many people, including Champat Rai, worked with the dedication of ascetics during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and are deeply hurt by the incident. However, he added that there is no justification for making the matter a subject of excessive debate.

Maurya asserted that whoever commits theft or wrongdoing will face action, saying, “Anyone who steals or acts improperly will be dealt with according to the law.”

Members of the Faizabad Bar Association on Wednesday submitted a complaint at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station in Ayodhya, seeking registration of an FIR in the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft case.

The complaint names Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao, alleging their role in the purported misappropriation of temple donations. Police have received the complaint, while registration of an FIR is awaited.

In Ayodhya, the Faizabad Bar Association has submitted a complaint at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station seeking registration of an FIR in the alleged donation theft case.

Association president Kalika Prasad Mishra said police accepted the complaint and informed them that an FIR would be lodged. He said the complaint names four individuals, including Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao.

Mishra clarified that only the complaint has been submitted so far and that the FIR has not yet been formally registered.

In Ayodhya, members of the Faizabad Bar Association held a meeting at the Bar Association hall before marching towards the Ram Janmabhoomi police station to submit a complaint.

The proposed FIR relates to the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft case. The complaint reportedly names Champat Rai, Dr Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao.

The association said it will formally file the FIR at the police station after the meeting.

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A video has surfaced showing Amit Shukla, the brother of accused Avinash Shukla in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation theft case, holding bundles of currency notes in his hands.

The police are currently verifying and investigating the authenticity of the video.

Uttar Pradesh minister Dayashankar Singh said that after a struggle of 500 years, in which lakhs of people sacrificed their lives, the opportunity finally came and the Ram Mandir was built.

He added that the Samajwadi Party president and its leaders have not visited the temple for darshan even once, so they do not have the right to raise questions on the issue.

He further said that the SIT investigation period has been extended so that the probe can be conducted in a proper and systematic manner.

Union Minister SP Singh Baghel said that he considers every kind of crime as a crime. He added that people view such offences as more serious due to their emotional nature.

He stated that the SIT is currently conducting an investigation and expressed confidence that the truth will come out clearly through the probe.

Uttar Pradesh minister Dharamveer Prajapati said that the investigation in the case is currently underway and action is also being taken.

He added that the SIT has been given additional time to complete its probe. According to him, all facts will come out in due course, after which appropriate action will be taken.

Uttar Pradesh BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary said that it is the opposition’s job to raise questions. He added that whatever report comes from the SIT, anyone found guilty will not be spared.

Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj, a trustee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya, has said that Gopal Rao “confuses everyone”.

He stated that trustees in Uttar Pradesh are following the traditions of Lord Ram, but Gopal Rao does not even respect those traditions. He further alleged that the entire fault lies with Gopal Rao, adding that he is doing politics.

A report related to the Ram Mandir donation theft case in Ayodhya has been sent to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. The report was prepared by Anil Kumar, the regional organiser of East Uttar Pradesh.

According to sources, the RSS chief had asked him to stay in Ayodhya for three days. During this visit, he reviewed the arrangements at the Ram Mandir, the functioning of the trust, and details of the alleged donation theft.

The report is said to include a complete account of the temple administration, trust operations, and the alleged irregularities in the donation system.

A major meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is scheduled for 6 July in Ayodhya. It is being claimed that several important decisions may be taken in the coming days based on the RSS report.

In Ayodhya, the Bar Association will file a case in connection with the Ram Mandir donation theft matter. The association’s president, Kalika Prasad Mishra, said that on 2 July (Thursday) at 12 noon, the organisation will submit a written complaint at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station.

He further stated that if the police do not register an FIR, the organisation will approach the court for legal remedy.

A major revelation has emerged regarding the recovery of assets in the Ram Mandir donation theft case in Ayodhya. According to media reports, the highest amount of ₹20 lakh in cash was recovered from Avinash Shukla. Along with this, 1121 US dollars (around ₹1.06 lakh) and gold-silver jewellery were also found.

From Tinnu, ₹1 lakh was recovered, while his nephew had ₹2 lakh in cash.

Details of recoveries from accused:

Total recovery: ₹79.85 lakh and 1121 US Dollars

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has extended the deadline of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) till 15 July. The SIT had requested more time for a detailed investigation into the case, which has been approved. The team has now been directed to submit its report by 15 July.

On 23 June, SIT member and Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant had submitted an initial report to the Home Department. On 25 June, the first FIR in the case was registered at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi police station based on a written complaint by trust member Krishnamohan.

The health of Ram Mandir Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das has deteriorated. He has been admitted to Medanta Hospital in Lucknow.

His health had also worsened in January, when he was treated at the same hospital.

Radio Monitoring Officer (RMO) Arjun Dev, who had been posted at the Ram Mandir for the past 17 years, has been transferred to Gorakhpur.

His role is also under investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). He was responsible for monitoring CCTV cameras of the donation counting room as well as around 1,600 cameras installed in the Ram Mandir complex.

According to sources, the SIT report mentions Arjun Dev’s long 17-year posting in Ayodhya and alleged involvement in trust-related work. Even when Ramlala was housed in a tent, he was handling CCTV operations.

He has been stationed in Ayodhya since 2009. Several transfer orders were issued during this period, but they were reportedly stalled each time. A recent transfer order to Lucknow was also cancelled.

The Ram Mandir Trust meeting in Ayodhya will now be held on 6 July. Earlier, the meeting was scheduled for 11 July. According to sources, this time the meeting may be organised at Karsevakpuram instead of Maniramdas Chhawni.

If the resignations are not accepted, the difficulties for Champat Rai and Dr Anil Mishra may still increase. Sources said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the offering theft case, may hold Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao responsible in its final report.

The investigation has reportedly found that these individuals did not properly discharge their responsibilities. According to sources, after the SIT submits its final report, registration of an FIR against Champat Rai, Dr Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao is considered likely.

1. Ramshankar Yadav (Tinnu)

Responsibility: Supervision and maintenance of the donation boxes.

Allegation: Embezzled crores of rupees and purchased multiple properties around Ayodhya.

2. Anukalp Mishra

Responsibility: Involved in counting the cash.

Allegation: Stole offerings and used to hide the cash inside the bathroom.

3. Lavkush Mishra

Responsibility: Member of the cash-counting staff for offerings.

Allegation: Stole offerings to amass properties worth crores; ₹12 lakh in cash was recovered from his house.

4. Subhash Chandra Shrivastava

Responsibility: In-charge of the cash-counting staff; managing the team.

Allegation: Showed gross negligence in monitoring and supervision; involved in the theft of donations.

5. Karunesh Pandey

Responsibility: Bringing the donation money to the counting room and counting it.

Allegation: Purchased properties around Ayodhya using the stolen donation money.

6. Manish Yadav

Responsibility: Counting the offerings received in the donation boxes.

Allegation: Theft of temple offerings; ₹36 lakh in cash was recovered from his house.

7. Avinash Shukla

Responsibility: Bringing the donation money to the counting room and counting it.

Allegation: Stole the cash received as donations and purchased properties around Ayodhya.

8. Ramshankar Mishra

Responsibility: Transporting the donation boxes to the counting room and monitoring them.

Allegation: Colluded with the other accused to misappropriate and manipulate the donation money.

Police investigating the Ram Mandir donation theft case have widened the scope of the probe. In this context, they have sought bank account details of employees working at more than three branches of the State Bank of India in Ayodhya and the Ayodhya Dham area.

According to sources, investigation agencies are examining the accused’s bank transactions and possible financial networks. As part of this process, records and transaction details linked to the accounts of staff members of the concerned branches have been requested.

Police are trying to trace where the money linked to the alleged misappropriation of donations may have flowed and whether any other individuals were involved in the case. Banking records, account transactions, and other financial aspects are also being analysed under the investigation.

However, police officials have not yet issued any official statement regarding the matter.

Police carried out simultaneous raids at the homes of all eight accused lodged in jail in the Ram Mandir offering theft case on Sunday, 28 June at 7 am. Eight separate police teams conducted the operation. During the raid, three houses were found locked, and officers questioned neighbours for information.

The house of Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu, a close aide of Champat Rai, was found locked. Another accused, Anukalp Mishra, was also raided. Police examined documents related to purchased properties and bank account details. At Anukalp’s residence, a diary and some important documents were recovered. Police believe the diary may be linked to the Ram Mandir offering theft case.

Revenue officials, especially lekhpals, were also included in the operation. The search continued for around eight hours till 3 pm. During the investigation, officials also looked into changes in the lifestyle of the accused after their association with the Ram Mandir trust.

15th June: The SIT gathered information from Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shriram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and invited member Gopal Rao. Around 8 to 10 employees were interrogated for nearly 6 hours.

16th June: The team questioned Champat Rai and Gopal Rao for 4 hours each. They scrutinized 11 months of trust documents and conducted lengthy interrogations of the employees responsible for counting the offerings.

17th June: The investigation team questioned bank officials and representatives of the private agency involved in cash counting. Bank statements and financial records were also inspected.

18th June: The team stayed on the temple premises for 10 hours. They interrogated Dr. Anil Mishra for 4 hours and Tinnu Yadav for one and a half hours. The answers given by Anil and Tinnu were cross-checked.

19th June: Champat Rai, Dr. Anil Mishra, and Ram Mandir construction in-charge Gopal Rao were interrogated separately. The branch manager and cashier of State Bank were also questioned.

20th June: The team collected bank account details of all the accused and suspects. Evidence was gathered. After concluding the inquiry, the team left for Lucknow with all the evidence collected.

23th June: On Tuesday, the SIT submitted its initial 20-page report to Sanjay Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department.

It is being reported that temple sevaks were aware of the alleged embezzlement that had been going on for years. However, they did not speak out due to the involvement of influential names.

Over the past two years, as Tinnu’s influence grew, a section of workers in the temple became dissatisfied. This group allegedly planned and built closer ties with him. After gathering all the details, they passed the information on to the media, which eventually exposed the alleged donation theft.