Senior functionaries of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust have resigned after allegations surfaced regarding the suspected misappropriation of donation money collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra submitted their resignations, citing moral responsibility, an official associated with the trust confirmed.

The resignations came shortly after the Uttar Pradesh government initiated action based on a preliminary report submitted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) examining allegations that several crores of rupees from temple donations had gone missing. Reports have estimated the suspected loss at around Rs 7–7.5 crore.

Following the SIT's findings, police registered an FIR under charges related to theft, criminal breach of trust, receiving stolen property, and criminal conspiracy.

Eight individuals have been named in the case, including six staff members allegedly involved in counting donation cash. According to investigators, CCTV footage reportedly captured the accused diverting funds, leading to their arrest.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the government had acted immediately after receiving the SIT's report and assured that the investigation would establish the facts.

The controversy has also sparked political debate, with opposition parties questioning whether the investigation adequately addresses the role of senior trust officials. They have alleged that accountability should extend beyond the employees named in the FIR.

The issue first gained attention after concerns were raised publicly, prompting the temple trust to seek an official inquiry. The Uttar Pradesh government subsequently constituted an SIT comprising senior administrative, police, and finance department officials to examine the allegations.

The Ram Temple has received substantial public donations since its inauguration in January 2024. According to the trust's latest annual financial report, it recorded income of nearly Rs 327 crore during the financial year, including over Rs 153 crore through donations and the remaining from interest earnings.

The shrine attracts between 70,000 and 80,000 devotees daily, with visitor numbers increasing significantly during weekends and religious festivals.

Cash donations collected through designated donation boxes are processed under an arrangement involving the State Bank of India, which employs a private agency for counting. The counting team reportedly consists of bank personnel along with representatives from the temple trust.

The investigation into the alleged diversion of donation funds remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated that further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the probe.