The alleged theft of devotees’ donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has triggered major changes in security and access protocols inside the temple complex. The controversy, which began with allegations of missing cash and valuables, has now expanded into a large police investigation involving multiple arrests and scrutiny of the temple’s donation management system.
Investigators believe the alleged embezzlement was not an isolated incident but may have taken place over a period of time during the counting of offerings collected from donation boxes. The investigation has so far led to the arrest of eight people.
Authorities are also examining whether procedural lapses or possible insider involvement allowed the alleged theft to continue unnoticed.
Also Read | Amarnath Yatra 2026: PM Modi shares five-point message for devotees
Per News18 reports, one of the biggest changes inside the temple is the introduction of compulsory frisking for everyone entering sensitive areas, especially donation counting sections.
Frisking and pocketless gowns introduced at Ram Mandir
Staff members, security personnel and other authorised individuals are now subjected to checks both while entering and leaving designated high-security zones.
Temple authorities have also introduced special gowns without pockets for employees handling donations. The move is intended to prevent cash, jewellery or valuables from being concealed while offerings are being counted, News18 reported.
Employees working in these areas are no longer permitted to carry mobile phones, wallets, purses, bags or other personal belongings inside the counting rooms. These items must be deposited before entry.
Access curbs and surveillance review
Access to donation handling areas has been tightened considerably. Only authorised personnel whose names have been approved in advance are allowed entry, reported News18.
Investigators also flagged concerns regarding the surveillance system. According to officials cited by News18, CCTV footage was routinely overwritten after about 45 days, making it difficult to investigate incidents that may have occurred earlier.
Authorities are now reviewing surveillance retention policies and monitoring procedures to address these gaps.
Investigation continues
Police quoted by News18 allege that the theft did not involve breaking open donation boxes. Instead, investigators believe cash and valuables were removed during the counting process before they were officially recorded.
Also Read | Champat Rai questioned for six hours as Ram Temple probe widens
The eight accused arrested in the case have been sent to judicial custody while the investigation continues. Police have also recovered cash and gold during searches linked to the accused.
Investigators recently recovered more than Rs 20 lakh in cash and gold chains connected to one of the accused.
Trust officials questioned
The Special Investigation Team has questioned several individuals associated with the temple’s functioning, including Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trust member Anil Mishra.
Officials said the questioning is part of efforts to understand the functioning of the donation system, security arrangements and administrative oversight.
The temple receives large volumes of offerings every day, with donations reportedly averaging around Rs 75 lakh daily. The latest measures are aimed at strengthening oversight and improving the security of the donation process.
FAQs:
What new rules have been introduced at Ram Mandir?
Mandatory frisking, pocketless gowns, restricted access and tighter surveillance have been introduced.
Why were security measures tightened at Ram Mandir?
The changes follow the investigation into the alleged theft of devotees’ donations.
