A major corruption scandal has erupted over alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, India. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttar Pradesh government has arrested eight people responsible for counting cash and valuables, recovering nearly 8 million rupees and some foreign currency. The accused have been remanded in judicial custody until June 29. Investigators found serious procedural violations, including lack of security checks, absence of guards, and improper CCTV retention. The key to the donation box was held by a former driver of the temple trust’s general secretary, violating regulations.

The controversy began when Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and former legislator Pawan Pandey alleged large-scale misappropriation of temple funds. Following the uproar, the trust’s general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned. Opposition leaders from Shiv Sena (Uddhav), Congress, and others have accused the ruling BJP and RSS of betraying Hindu sentiments and demanded arrests of senior trust officials. Congress leaders called for an impartial probe, alleging attempts to shield key culprits.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya dismissed the opposition’s claims, asserting that arrests followed the SIT’s findings and promising strict action against those guilty.