{"id":22211,"date":"2026-06-20T13:53:18","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T08:23:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/ayodhya-ram-mandir-donation-theft-probe\/"},"modified":"2026-06-20T13:53:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T08:23:18","slug":"ayodhya-ram-mandir-donation-theft-probe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/ayodhya-ram-mandir-donation-theft-probe\/","title":{"rendered":"Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation Theft Probe"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has identified around 150 suspects. Of them, nearly 25 individuals may face action. People questioned by the SIT have been instructed not to leave the city until further orders.<\/p>\n

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The SIT is expected to complete its sixth day of investigation on Saturday and return to Lucknow. Sources indicate that the team may submit its report to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday.<\/p>\n

According to sources, action against Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Dr Anil Mishra is being considered. Both could be removed from their positions. Ram Mandir construction in-charge Gopal Rao may also face similar action.<\/p>\n

On Friday, the SIT spent nearly six hours inside the Mandir complex and questioned Champat Rai, Dr Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao separately. The team also interrogated officials of the State Bank of India, including the branch manager and cashier.<\/p>\n

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Investigators also wanted to question Anand, Gopal Rao\u2019s nephew, and Mandir employee Somesh Anand. However, both were unavailable and their phones were reportedly switched off.<\/p>\n

\u20b92 crore recovered so far<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The SIT has recovered around \u20b92 crore based on information provided by five accused \u2014 Lavkush, Avneesh, Anukalp, Karune and Ramshankar alias Tinnu. All were associated with counting donations collected at the Mandir.<\/p>\n

Gold was recovered from Tinnu\u2019s residence on June 13. Officials have not yet disclosed the quantity or value of the recovered items.<\/p>\n

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How the controversy unfolded<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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  • The issue first came into the spotlight on June 7 when former Uttar Pradesh minister Pawan Pandey alleged that between \u20b95 crore and \u20b97.5 crore had been stolen from the Ram Mandir.<\/li>\n
  • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also questioned the government’s silence, saying the matter warranted judicial scrutiny.<\/li>\n
  • Ram Mandir Trust General Secretary Champat Rai rejected the allegations, stating that no evidence of theft had surfaced.<\/li>\n
  • As the controversy escalated, BJP leader Dr Rajneesh Singh wrote to the Prime Minister on June 9 seeking a CBI investigation.<\/li>\n
  • A day later, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) sought a report from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on the allegations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    SIT questions donors in Ram Mandir offerings case; no receipt for silver gifts<\/em><\/p>\n

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    For more updates on the Ram Mandir donation theft probe, follow our live blog\u2026<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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    Live Updates<\/h2>\n
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    Tinnu Yadav\u2019s wife denies donation theft allegations, says he is being framed<\/span>