Are small employees taking the fall? Fresh allegations surface in Ram Mandir donation case

Ayodhya: A fresh twist has emerged in the Ram Mandir donation embezzlement investigation after a close relative of one of the accused alleged that lower-level staff may be taking the blame while more influential figures remain outside the spotlight.

Sadhana Mishra, sister-in-law of accused Ramashankar Mishra, has called for an impartial investigation into the alleged misuse of donations collected at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, claiming that the probe should not stop with junior employees if larger people are involved.

Her remarks come as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues its inquiry into the high-profile case and has been granted an additional 15 days to widen the scope of its investigation.

Family questions whether temple staff are being made scapegoats

Speaking about the case, Sadhana Mishra said her family believes the investigation should determine whether senior or influential people played any role in the alleged embezzlement.

According to her, Ramashankar Mishra had been engaged in the temple donation-counting process for several years and reportedly earned a monthly salary of around ₹16,000-17,000.

She claimed the family learned about the police action only recently through discussions in the locality and insisted that the truth would emerge only through a thorough probe.

"A theft has taken place, but it seems that influential people are involved and the smaller employees are being framed," she alleged, urging investigators to identify all those responsible, irrespective of their position.

Sadhana Mishra also maintained that the family had not been in touch with Ramashankar Mishra for more than two-and-a-half years.

She said he had been living separately in rented accommodation in Ayodhya and had no regular interaction with relatives during that period.

The family, she added, is not attempting to influence the investigation but wants authorities to establish accountability based solely on evidence.

"He didn't do anything; he is innocent. We demand that the government investigate the involvement of influential people—identify them and conduct a thorough probe. Then, the guilty should be punished, and the innocent should be released. That is our demand," she added.

SIT probe expands; Another accused under scrutiny

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Police have intensified their investigation into the alleged embezzlement of Ram Mandir donations.

Police officials recently seized a Maruti Brezza linked to the accused Avinash Shukla, who was arrested in connection with the case. The vehicle was recovered from Kaushalpuri Colony and taken to the Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station as part of the ongoing investigation.

Shukla, who was reportedly associated with the process of counting temple offerings, has been questioned by investigators at the Special Operations Group (SOG) office in Ayodhya. He was earlier produced before a local court and subsequently remanded to police custody.

Senior officers, including Ayodhya Circle Officer Ashutosh Tiwari, have been involved in the questioning as investigators continue to examine financial records, evidence and possible links connected to the alleged diversion of temple donations.

What is the Ram Mandir 'chanda chori' case?

The controversy began after an FIR was registered on June 25 alleging embezzlement of donations received at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.

Authorities have since expanded the investigation, with the SIT examining multiple aspects of the case to determine whether the alleged wrongdoing was limited to a few people or involved a broader network.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has stated that it supports a transparent investigation and remains committed to protecting the faith of millions of devotees while ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing that may have occurred.

With ANI inputs