Ram Mandir Donation Scam 2026: Complete Timeline, FIR No. 90/2026, SIT Investigation, Recoveries & Legal Analysis
By Anil Shekhisar
Founder | Solution Wire
Introduction
The alleged Ram Temple Donation Scam of 2026 has emerged as one of India's most closely watched criminal investigations involving a religious institution. The case revolves around allegations of misappropriation of donation money collected from devotees at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, leading to the registration of FIR No. 90/2026 at Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station.
The investigation has attracted nationwide attention because it concerns one of the country's most revered temples and involves questions about financial transparency, internal controls, public trust, and criminal accountability.
According to publicly available information and the recovery memos shared with Solution Wire, investigators have alleged that multiple individuals connected with the cash-counting process were involved in the unlawful diversion of donation money. Police subsequently reported several cash recoveries while the Special Investigation Team (SIT) expanded its inquiry into the alleged modus operandi.
It is important to emphasize that all allegations remain under investigation, and every accused person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Why This Case Matters
The Ram Temple is not merely a place of worship.
It represents decades of legal, political, cultural and religious history for millions of Hindus worldwide.
Every day, thousands of devotees contribute donations through:
Cash offerings
Donation boxes
Digital donations
Cheques
Special religious offerings
The integrity of this donation system is therefore essential for maintaining public confidence.
When allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in donation management, authorities initiated an investigation that quickly evolved into one of the biggest religious financial crime investigations in recent years.
Background: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
Following the Supreme Court's landmark judgment in 2019, the Government of India established the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in February 2020.
The Trust is responsible for:
Temple administration
Donation management
Construction oversight
Religious activities
Financial administration
Given the enormous volume of daily donations, strict accounting procedures, surveillance systems, and multiple verification mechanisms are intended to ensure transparency.
However, investigators later began examining whether these safeguards had been circumvented in this case.
How the Investigation Began
The controversy reportedly began after discrepancies were noticed during internal verification of donation collections and accounting records.
According to media reports, these discrepancies prompted closer scrutiny by temple authorities, ultimately leading to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Investigators allegedly examined:
Donation records
Cash counting procedures
CCTV footage
Employee duty rosters
Bank deposit records
Electronic evidence
Statements of staff members
The findings from the preliminary inquiry eventually led to criminal proceedings.
Editorial Note: This report is based on publicly available information, official documents shared with Solution Wire, and media reports. The investigation is ongoing, and all accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Ram Temple Donation Scam 2026: FIR No. 90/2026, SIT Probe, Alleged Modus Operandi & Recovery Memos
FIR No. 90/2026: The Criminal Investigation Begins
On 26 June 2026, the Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station, Ayodhya, registered FIR No. 90/2026 after allegations of financial irregularities involving temple donation funds.
According to the FIR and related recovery documents, investigators suspected that cash donated by devotees had been unlawfully diverted during the counting and handling process.
The case was registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with the Prevention of Corruption Act, indicating that investigators were examining not only alleged theft but also criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and corruption-related offences.
Legal Sections Invoked in FIR
The FIR invokes several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 305, 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61(2), and 3(5), along with Section 13(1)(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, as reflected in the documents you shared.
These provisions indicate that investigators are examining allegations involving dishonest misappropriation, criminal conspiracy, common intention, and offences under anti-corruption law. The exact application and interpretation of these sections will ultimately be determined during the judicial process.
Why Was an SIT Formed?
Given the sensitivity of the matter and the significance of the Ram Temple, the Uttar Pradesh Government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct an independent inquiry.
The SIT reportedly examined:
1.Internal accounting procedures
2.Donation collection records
3.Cash counting operations
4.CCTV surveillance footage
5.Employee attendance records
6.Bank deposit registers
7.Statements of temple staff
8.Electronic and documentary evidence
Investigators also reconstructed the cash-handling workflow to identify where alleged irregularities could have occurred.
The Alleged Modus Operandi
According to police findings reported in the media, investigators suspect that the alleged diversion of donation money did not occur through a single large theft but through repeated removal of relatively small amounts during cash-counting operations.
Investigators reportedly examined whether:
Cash was separated while donation boxes were being counted.
CCTV blind spots were exploited.
Money was temporarily hidden in low-surveillance areas before being taken outside.
The alleged activity continued over a period rather than occurring on a single day.
These findings remain part of the investigation and will require judicial scrutiny before being treated as established facts.
Recovery Memos Examined by Solution Wire
Solution Wire reviewed four recovery memos connected with FIR No. 90/2026.
According to these official recovery documents, police recorded recoveries from the following accused persons:
Name Amount Recovered
Manish Kumar Yadav ₹20,00,000
Anukul Mishra ₹16,82,040
Ramshankar Mishra ₹7,32,170
Lavkush Mishra ₹14,25,000
Total Recovery (According to These Four Recovery Memos)
₹58,39,210
Each recovery memo includes denominations of recovered currency notes, witnesses present during recovery, seizure procedures, and sealing formalities.
Why Do Some Reports Mention ₹79.85 Lakh?
Several media reports later stated that the overall recovery in the case reached approximately ₹79.85 lakh.
This figure is higher than the ₹58.39 lakh reflected in the four recovery memos reviewed by Solution Wire.
The difference may be explained by:
Additional recoveries from other accused,
Recoveries made after the preparation of the four memos,
Subsequent investigation by the police.
The final figure will become clear once the investigating agency files its complete charge sheet before the competent court.
Eight Named Accused
Public reports indicate that eight individuals were named in connection with the investigation.
Police questioned the accused regarding:
Cash handling responsibilitie
Duty schedules
Access to counting rooms
Financial records
Communication with co-workers
Their individual legal liability will ultimately depend on the evidence presented before the court.
Evidence Being Examined
Investigators are reportedly analysing multiple categories of evidence, including:
1.CCTV footage
2.Digital communication records
3.Attendance registers
4.Financial registers
5.Bank deposit slips
6.Mobile phone data
7.Witness statements
8.Forensic examination of documentary evidence
This evidence will form the basis of the prosecution's case if charges are formally framed.
Public Trust at the Center of the Case
The significance of this investigation extends beyond the monetary value involved.
The Ram Temple receives donations from millions of devotees who expect those contributions to be managed transparently and responsibly.
For this reason, authorities have repeatedly emphasised that accountability and due process are essential, while also cautioning against drawing conclusions before the judicial process is complete.
Ram Temple Donation Scam 2026: Court Proceedings, Government Response, Political Reactions
Disclaimer: This article is based on official documents, publicly available reports, and verified media coverage available at the time of writing. The investigation is ongoing. Every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
Investigation Intensifies After FIR
Following the registration of FIR No. 90/2026 at the Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station on 26 June 2026, investigators widened the scope of the inquiry beyond the initial allegations.
The investigation was no longer limited to identifying missing cash. Authorities also began examining whether there were systemic weaknesses in the temple's cash-handling process and whether the alleged diversion of donations involved coordinated actions by multiple individuals.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) reportedly reviewed internal documentation, CCTV footage, attendance records, financial registers, and witness statements while conducting multiple rounds of questioning.
Judicial Proceedings
After arrests were made, the accused were produced before the competent court in Ayodhya.
The prosecution argued that custodial investigation had resulted in recoveries and that further examination of documentary and electronic evidence was required.
The court subsequently remanded the accused to judicial custody while the investigation continued.
At this stage, the proceedings remain at the investigation phase. The filing of a charge sheet, framing of charges, examination of witnesses, and trial will determine whether the allegations can be legally established.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's Response
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath publicly stated that no individual found guilty would be spared, regardless of their position or role.
At the same time, he urged the public not to cast aspersions on the sanctity of the Ram Temple or the city of Ayodhya because of the alleged actions of a few individuals. He emphasized that the law would take its own course and that accountability must be based on evidence rather than speculation.
This statement sought to balance two priorities: ensuring a fair investigation while protecting public confidence in one of India's most significant religious institutions.
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's Position
The Trust cooperated with investigators and maintained that it was committed to transparency in the management of devotees' donations.
According to public reports, the Trust supported the ongoing investigation and indicated that additional safeguards and stronger internal monitoring mechanisms would be considered to further strengthen financial accountability.
The Trust also emphasized that the alleged actions under investigation should not be interpreted as reflecting the institution as a whole.
Political Reactions
The investigation quickly became a subject of national political debate.
Opposition parties questioned whether the investigation was sufficiently comprehensive and demanded complete transparency regarding the handling of temple donations.
Leaders from the ruling establishment maintained that the registration of the FIR, the formation of the SIT, and the subsequent arrests demonstrated that the government was willing to investigate allegations irrespective of the sensitivity of the institution involved.
As with many high-profile cases, political reactions reflected differing interpretations of the investigation rather than judicial findings.
Why This Investigation Is Significant
The Ram Temple receives donations from devotees across India and around the world.
Unlike many ordinary criminal investigations, this case has implications beyond financial loss because it concerns public trust in the administration of one of the country's most important religious institutions.
The investigation may also influence how large religious trusts strengthen:
1.Cash management procedures
2.Internal audits
3.CCTV coverage
4.Employee accountability
5.Financial transparency
6.Independent verification systems
Possible Legal Outcomes
Several legal outcomes remain possible depending on the evidence ultimately presented before the court:
Filing of a comprehensive charge sheet
Supplementary charge sheets if new evidence emerges
Framing of charges by the trial court
Examination of witnesses
Cross-examination by the defence
Final judgment based on documentary and oral evidence
If the prosecution fails to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, the accused would be entitled to acquittal. Conversely, if the allegations are proved in accordance with law, convictions may follow under the applicable provisions.
Why Responsible Reporting Matters
Cases involving religious institutions attract widespread public attention and can generate significant misinformation.
For this reason, responsible journalism requires distinguishing between:
1.Allegations,
2.Police findings,
3.Documentary evidence,
4.Court proceedings,
5.Judicial conclusions.
Throughout this investigation, it remains essential to avoid treating allegations as established facts until they have been tested through the judicial process.
How the Ram Temple Donation Collection System Works
Understanding the donation management process is essential to understanding why the alleged irregularities in this case have drawn such widespread attention.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple receives donations through multiple channels, including traditional donation boxes (Hundi), cash contributions, cheques, bank transfers, UPI payments, and online payment gateways. During festivals and special religious occasions, the volume of donations increases significantly, requiring a structured collection and accounting process.
According to the standard operating procedures followed by major religious trusts, sealed donation boxes are opened in the presence of authorized personnel under CCTV surveillance. The cash is then sorted, counted, documented, and verified before being deposited into designated bank accounts. Multiple officials are generally involved in each stage to ensure transparency and minimize the risk of manipulation.
Investigators in the present case are examining whether any stage of this established process was allegedly compromised.
Chronological Timeline of the Investigation
Early June 2026
Initial discrepancies were reportedly noticed during internal verification of donation records.
Mid-June 2026
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh Government to conduct an independent inquiry into the alleged irregularities.
26 June 2026
FIR No. 90/2026 was registered at the Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Following Days
Police conducted searches, interrogated suspects, reviewed CCTV footage, examined financial records, and recorded witness statements.
Recovery Operations
According to the recovery memos reviewed by Solution Wire, investigators documented recoveries totaling ₹58,39,210 from four accused persons.
Subsequent Developments
Additional recoveries, judicial proceedings, and an extension of the SIT investigation were reported as authorities continued to examine documentary and electronic evidence.
Financial Perspective
The Ram Temple attracts millions of devotees each year, resulting in substantial donations that support temple administration, maintenance, religious activities, and charitable initiatives.
Because of the high volume of daily transactions, financial governance depends heavily on accurate documentation, multi-level verification, surveillance, and independent auditing.
Even comparatively small irregularities can raise serious concerns when they involve public donations intended for religious purposes.
Governance Lessons
Regardless of the final outcome of the criminal proceedings, the investigation highlights the importance of continuously strengthening financial oversight in large religious institutions.
Possible governance improvements frequently suggested by experts include:
1.AI-assisted CCTV monitoring
2.Automated cash-counting systems
3.Independent third-party financial audits
4.Digital reconciliation of daily collections
5.Stronger access controls for cash-handling areas
6.Periodic surprise inspections
7.Enhanced staff background verification
8.Rotation of cash-handling personnel
Such measures may help improve transparency and reinforce public confidence.
Legal Perspective
The investigation is currently at the criminal inquiry stage.
Under Indian criminal law, investigators must establish evidence that satisfies the legal standards required for prosecution. Documentary records, electronic evidence, witness testimony, forensic examination, and financial analysis will all play important roles during trial.
The defence will have the opportunity to challenge every allegation before the court.
Only after examining all evidence can the judiciary determine whether any criminal liability exists.
Impact on Public Trust
The Ram Temple is one of India's most significant religious institutions.
Millions of devotees donate with the expectation that every contribution will be managed honestly and transparently.
For this reason, investigations involving temple finances inevitably attract national attention and reinforce the importance of accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity.
Fact Check
Claim Status
FIR No. 90/2026 registered Verified
SIT investigation constituted Verified through public reports
Four recovery memos totaling ₹58.39 lakh Supported by documents reviewed
Investigation still continuing Verified
Final guilt established No — subject to judicial determination
Editorial Methodology
This investigative report has been prepared using:
Recovery memos reviewed by Solution Wire
FIR details shared by the user
Publicly available information from reputable news organizations
Official statements where available
The report distinguishes between documented facts, investigative allegations, and judicial findings to ensure fairness, accuracy, and responsible reporting.
Editorial Commitment: Solution Wire is committed to evidence-based journalism. This report will be updated if new official documents, court orders, or investigation findings become available.
FAQ
Q. What is FIR No. 90/2026?
It is the criminal case registered at Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station, Ayodhya, concerning alleged irregularities in the handling of temple donation funds.
Q. How much money has been recovered?
The four recovery memos reviewed by Solution Wire document recoveries totaling ₹58.39 lakh. Some later media reports mention higher cumulative recoveries as the investigation progressed.
No. The investigation and judicial proceedings are ongoing.
Q. Have the accused been convicted?
No. At the time of writing, there has been no final judicial determination of guilt. All accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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