News Desk : In a major breakthrough, Ayodhya Police have arrested eight people accused of allegedly siphoning off cash and valuables donated by devotees at the Ram Temple. The arrests come after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovered evidence of alleged theft, embezzlement and criminal conspiracy linked to temple donations.

The accused, most of whom were involved in counting donations, were taken into custody late Thursday night following the registration of an FIR based on the SIT's preliminary findings. Investigators suspect the group manipulated cash-counting operations and allegedly diverted donation money meant for the temple. On Thursday, an FIR was lodged at Kotwali Ram Janmabhoomi police station on a complaint by Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. The role of the eight people who were arrested in this fraud, in which, one was a retired bank employee, he was in charge of the donation counting, another was the former driver of Trust general secretary and the other six were counting staff.

According to sources, some staff members allegedly inserted extra currency notes into counted bundles and later shared the proceeds among themselves. The investigation has also pointed to the possible involvement of additional individuals, with police not ruling out further arrests. The case includes serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including theft at a place of worship, criminal breach of trust, corruption and criminal conspiracy. Investigators are examining financial records, electronic evidence and witness statements to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.

The alleged misuse of funds donated by devotees has triggered outrage and intensified scrutiny of temple administration. With all eight accused now in custody, and the sources said the final report could be submitted to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath within 15 days.