Uttar Pradesh police have intensified the investigation into the theft of donation funds from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, arresting eight individuals so far. The arrests were made over the past 48 hours, with the latest suspect taken into custody on Thursday, according to police officials.
Details of the Theft
The theft occurred on June 20, when an unknown amount of cash donated by devotees was found missing from the temple's donation box. Temple authorities reported the incident to the police, who launched a probe immediately. Initial investigations revealed that the donation box had been tampered with, and the locks were broken.
Police have recovered a significant portion of the stolen money, though the exact amount remains undisclosed. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ayodhya, Rajesh Kumar, stated that the investigation is progressing rapidly and more arrests are expected.
Arrests and Recovery
Among those arrested are temple staff members and local residents, who are believed to have been involved in the theft. The police have also recovered tools used to break the donation box. SSP Kumar said, "We have arrested eight people so far and recovered a substantial amount of cash. The investigation is ongoing, and we are confident of solving the case soon."
The temple administration has tightened security measures following the incident. Additional CCTV cameras have been installed, and the donation collection process has been revised to prevent future thefts.
Public Reaction
The theft has sparked outrage among devotees and local leaders, who have demanded swift action. The Ram Temple Trust has appealed to the public to remain calm and assured that the funds are safe. Trust member Mahant Satyendra Das said, "We are cooperating with the police and have full faith in the investigation. The temple's sanctity will be maintained."
The case has also drawn attention from state authorities, with the Uttar Pradesh government directing the police to expedite the probe. The temple, a major pilgrimage site, attracts millions of devotees annually, and donations are a significant source of income for its maintenance and development.
