Ayodhya Ram Mandir Faces Leadership Change Amid Donation Row

Ayodhya, June 27, 2026 — In a significant development that has drawn attention from devotees across India and the world, Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and trustee Anil Mishra have resigned from their positions on moral grounds.

The resignations come in the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the handling of cash offerings made by millions of devotees at the sacred Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.

The move follows the registration of an FIR and the arrest of eight individuals, including Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, who was once Champat Rai's personal driver and a close aide.

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The Temple Built by Faith

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is the fulfilment of centuries of longing, legal battles, and the collective tapasya of millions of Hindus. After the Supreme Court verdict and the historic bhoomi pujan, the temple was inaugurated on January 22, 2024 in the grand pran pratishtha ceremony.

Since its inauguration, the temple has drawn lakhs of devotees daily. Every coin, every note, every piece of gold placed in the donation boxes (hundis) inside the sanctum is an act of personal surrender to Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram — the dakshina of ordinary bhaktas.

By the financial year 2023-24, the temple had already recorded nearly ₹327 crore in earnings, a large portion coming from these heartfelt offerings. Managing such volume with complete integrity is both a sacred duty and an administrative challenge.

How the Alleged Irregularities Surfaced

Whispers of possible irregularities in the handling of cash offerings began circulating in recent months. The temple trust itself had requested a thorough probe to dispel rumours and establish facts.

The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising senior officials including Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, IG Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan.

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The SIT submitted its preliminary report. Based on this, an FIR was registered on the night of June 25, 2026, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including theft by clerk or servant, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy.

The complaint was filed by Krishna Mohan, a retired IFS officer and member of the Trust.

Swift Police Action: 8 Arrested, Including Tinnu Yadav

On June 26, 2026, Uttar Pradesh Police arrested all eight persons named in the FIR in Ayodhya. The accused were primarily involved in the process of transporting cash from the temple donation boxes to the basement for counting and recording.

Key among the arrested is Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav. His journey is striking — from humble beginnings (his father ran a small tea shop near Naya Ghat in Ayodhya, and he once worked as an auto-rickshaw and tempo driver), he became the personal driver and trusted close aide of Champat Rai. Over time, he was given responsibilities including supervising the transportation of cash offerings to the basement.

According to the FIR and police sources, Tinnu Yadav is accused of overseeing the cash movement and allegedly acquiring properties in Ayodhya and nearby areas using misappropriated funds. Other accused include individuals involved in counting and recording donations — Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra, a retired banker who oversaw the process (Subhash Chandra Srivastava), and others assisting in transportation and counting.

During searches, police have so far recovered approximately ₹79.85 lakh in cash. All eight accused have been sent to judicial custody until June 29. Investigations are ongoing.

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Moral Responsibility: Champat Rai and Anil Mishra Resign

On June 26, 2026, both Champat Rai and Anil Mishra submitted their resignations, taking moral responsibility in connection with the alleged donation irregularities.

Champat Rai, a senior Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader and RSS pracharak deeply associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement for decades, had served as General Secretary of the Trust since February 2020. He is often described as someone with deep knowledge of Ayodhya's history and the temple movement.

Anil Mishra, a trustee, also stepped down alongside him.

Sources indicate the resignations were offered to ensure an impartial investigation and reflect a "zero-compromise" approach toward protecting the sanctity of the temple. Even though their names did not figure directly in the FIR, both chose to step aside on moral grounds.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has maintained a firm stance: "We had said an SIT had been constituted and that action would begin as soon as its report was received. The SIT report came and action started immediately. I assure you… we will separate truth from falsehood."

Upholding Dharma and Transparency in Temple Management

For devotees, the Ram Mandir is not just a structure of stone — it is the living presence of Shri Ram in Ayodhya. Any irregularity in the handling of offerings made with pure devotion hurts the sentiments of millions.

The resignations of senior functionaries and the swift arrests demonstrate that the institutions managing this sacred site are willing to hold themselves accountable. In Sanatan Dharma, transparency and integrity in the management of temple resources have always been emphasised. Offerings made to the deity are considered the property of the Lord Himself; any misuse is not just a financial crime but a breach of dharma.

What Devotees Should Know

  • The probe is focused on a small group of individuals involved in cash handling.
  • The Trust has previously stated that internal audits did not reveal major discrepancies.
  • The SIT and police are continuing their investigation thoroughly.
  • Devotees can continue their offerings with full faith — the sanctity of the temple and the larger mission remain paramount.

Faith Endures, Dharma Prevails

The developments at Ayodhya are a reminder that even in the most sacred spaces, human systems must remain vigilant and accountable. The resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, the arrests including that of Tinnu Yadav, and the proactive role of the Uttar Pradesh government reflect a commitment to truth and justice.

For the millions of devotees who have poured their hearts into the Ram Mandir through their offerings and visits, one truth stands eternal: Shri Ram belongs to everyone, and His temple will continue to inspire generations.

The investigation must run its full course. Truth must prevail. And the glory of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram must shine brighter than ever.

Jai Shri Ram!