The investigation into the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has taken a significant turn with the transfer of the Resident Medical Officer (RMO), Arjun Dev, who had been serving at the temple's health center for 17 years. The transfer order, issued on June 30, 2026, comes as part of a broader probe into the misappropriation of funds, with at least 70 individuals now under the scanner of the investigating authorities.
Details of the Transfer and Investigation
Arjun Dev, who was posted at the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's health facility, has been moved to a different location amid allegations of his involvement in the donation theft. According to sources within the trust, Dev's transfer was prompted by discrepancies found in the records of donations collected at the temple. The probe, which began earlier this year, has expanded to include temple staff, volunteers, and contractors who may have been part of a network siphoning off funds meant for the temple's upkeep and charitable activities.
The investigation has revealed that over the past few years, a significant amount of cash donations, estimated to be in the crores, may have been diverted. The temple, which attracts millions of pilgrims annually, collects donations through hundis (donation boxes) and online transfers. The probe is focusing on a period between 2023 and 2026, during which irregularities in the accounting of these donations were flagged by an internal audit.
70 Individuals Under Scanner
The investigating team, comprising officials from the Uttar Pradesh Police and the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau, has identified 70 individuals who may have been involved in the theft. These include temple priests, administrative staff, and security personnel. According to a senior police officer involved in the case, “The network appears to be well-organized, with multiple layers of people involved in the misappropriation. We are examining bank records, CCTV footage, and statements from witnesses to build a watertight case.”
The trust has also initiated its own internal inquiry, with the temple's chief priest, Mahant Satyendra Das, stating, “We are cooperating fully with the authorities. Any person found guilty will face strict action, as the sanctity of the temple and the trust of devotees is paramount.”
Impact on Temple Administration
The scandal has raised questions about the management of the Ram Temple, which is one of the most revered religious sites in India. The trust, established by the central government in 2020 to oversee the temple's construction and operations, has faced criticism for lack of transparency in its financial dealings. In response, the trust has announced a series of measures to prevent future thefts, including the installation of additional CCTV cameras, regular audits by external agencies, and the digitization of donation records.
Devotees, who contribute generously to the temple, have expressed shock at the revelations. “We give our hard-earned money with devotion, and it is disheartening to know that some people are stealing from the temple,” said Rajesh Sharma, a pilgrim from Delhi. The trust has assured the public that all donations will be utilized for the temple's development and charitable activities, and that the guilty will be brought to justice.
