Massive Theft at Ram Mandir: Over Rs 10 Crore Stolen
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples across the country, over Rs 10 crore worth of jewellery and cash was looted from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in 2026. The theft, which occurred over several weeks, was only discovered during a routine inventory check. Preliminary investigations suggest that the heist was executed by a group of insiders who exploited security loopholes.
How the Theft Was Carried Out
According to sources, the thieves gained access to the temple's inner sanctum and the donation chests. They systematically replaced gold ornaments with fake replicas to avoid immediate detection. The loot included gold necklaces, diamond-studded crowns, and silver articles. The total value of stolen items is estimated at Rs 10.5 crore, with Rs 50 lakh in cash also missing.
Who Are the Suspects?
The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested four temple staff members, including a priest and two security guards. According to a police spokesperson, "The accused confessed to their involvement and revealed that they had been planning the theft for months. They took advantage of the absence of CCTV cameras in certain areas."
Where Has the Jewellery Gone?
Investigators have recovered only Rs 2 crore worth of items from the suspects' hideouts. The remaining jewellery is believed to have been sold to jewellers in Delhi and Mumbai. Police have formed special teams to track the money trail. "We are working with jewellers across states to identify the stolen pieces," said an official.
Security Lapses Exposed
The incident has raised serious questions about the security arrangements at the temple. A report by the temple trust revealed that there were only 12 CCTV cameras for the entire complex, and none in the storage room where the jewellery was kept. The trust has now installed 50 additional cameras and deployed more security personnel.
Political Reactions and Public Outrage
The theft has sparked a political firestorm. Opposition leaders have demanded a CBI inquiry and questioned the government's handling of temple security. In response, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured strict action, stating, "We will ensure that such incidents do not recur. The guilty will be punished." Devotees have expressed shock and anger, with many calling for better protection of the temple's treasures.
Timeline of Events
- January 2026: The theft is believed to have started in early January.
- March 15, 2026: Temple officials notice discrepancies during a routine audit.
- March 20, 2026: Police register an FIR and begin investigation.
- April 5, 2026: Four suspects arrested.
- April 10, 2026: Partial recovery of stolen items.
Impact on Temple Operations
In the aftermath, the temple trust has tightened protocols. All donations are now counted daily, and high-value items are stored in a vault with dual locks. The trust has also insured all jewellery worth over Rs 100 crore. Devotees have been urged to donate only through official counters to prevent misuse.
