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The Latest Breaking News from Ayodhya

Ayodhya Ram temple donation theft case: Three accused remanded in police custody

Three accused in the Ayodhya Ram temple donation theft case were taken into police custody. A local court granted a 24-hour remand for further interrogation and questioning. Investigators are examining fresh evidence and potential procedural security lapses. Police expect to recover cash and other articles linked to the alleged racket.…

The Economic Times · Jul 8

How Amitabh Bachchan bought land in Ayodhya: Abhinandan Lodha recalls receiving a surprise call around 3 AM; Rs 15 crore reached his account the next morning

How Amitabh Bachchan bought land in Ayodhya: Real estate entrepreneur Abhinandan Lodha has revealed that Amitabh Bachchan personally called him at around 3 am in 2023 to enquire about buying land in Ayodhya. Upon being quoted Rs 15 crore for a 15,000 sq ft plot, Bachchan transferred the full amount…

The Economic Times · Jul 7

Who is Krishna Mohan? Former IFS officer appointed interim general secretary of Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust

Krishna Mohan has been appointed interim general secretary of the Trust. He aims to restore public confidence and address recent controversies. Wrongdoers will face legal action through due process. Weaknesses in administrative systems will be identified and corrected. The Trust will ensure donations are used for stated objectives.

The Economic Times · Jul 7

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Pot calling the kettle black: Cong slams VHP letter to police on claims made by opposition leaders on donations

The Congress party has strongly criticized the VHP's request to the Ayodhya police to question opposition leaders regarding alleged donation theft at the Ram temple. Congress leaders described the VHP's move as "the pot calling the kettle black," accusing the organization of attempting to deflect from its own past controversies…

The Economic Times · Jul 6

BJP-RSS responsible for Ram Temple 'loot': Cong chief Mallikarjun Kharge

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP and RSS of a Rs 20,000 crore "loot" linked to Ayodhya Ram Temple donations. He further alleged the ruling party is attempting "vote chori" through electoral roll revisions and delimitation to retain power, undermining democratic institutions. Kharge urged vigilance to protect the Constitution…

The Economic Times · Jul 5

Ayodhya donation probe: Teacher, car mechanic, retired bank employee among 8 accused

Eight individuals, including a teacher and a former mechanic, have been arrested in Ayodhya for allegedly embezzling donations meant for the Ram temple. Police sources claim contract workers exploited their roles in the donation management system, siphoning off cash, foreign currency, and jewellery. Investigators are scrutinizing financial transactions and assets,…

The Economic Times · Jul 5

Ram temple donation probe finds accused built houses, bought SUVs on modest salaries

Investigators uncover a significant financial discrepancy at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with accused individuals showing assets far exceeding their known incomes. Allegations point to daily siphoning of ₹6-8 lakh from donations. Concerns were reportedly raised months prior, but no FIR was filed initially. CCTV footage and discrepancies in donation…

The Economic Times · Jul 5

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'Vote chori, seat chori, chanda chori' is BJP's three-pronged strategy: Congress over Ram Temple row

The Congress has accused the BJP-RSS of a "chanda chori" (donation scam) at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, alleging thousands of crores were siphoned off. Party leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the Prime Minister and Home Minister's silence on the matter, calling the RSS statement on the issue "disgraceful." An FIR…

The Economic Times · Jul 5

'Dissolve Ram Mandir trust': Ex-Ram Lalla litigant Dharmdas amid donation probe

A former litigant for Ram Lalla, Mahant Dharmdas, has called for the dissolution of the Ram Mandir trust and the registration of all donated assets in the Deity's name amid an embezzlement probe. He expressed faith in the SIT's investigation, which has been granted a 15-day extension. Police have also…

The Economic Times · Jul 4

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra not answerable to govt: Ministry of Home Affairs

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust operates autonomously, with no accountability to the Centre or Uttar Pradesh government, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. This independent status was confirmed by the CIC, ruling the trust outside the RTI Act's purview. Ahead of a crucial July 6 meeting, the…

The Economic Times · Jul 3

"Money siphoned off": BJP leader Vinay Katiyar says Champat Rai, Anil Mishra could soon face jail in Ram Mandir embezzlement case

"The SIT team investigating the alleged misappropriation of funds donated to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple has extended its tenure by 15 days. The investigation is on its second day," he said.

The Economic Times · Jul 3

SIT in Ram Mandir embezzlement case intensifies probe, UP Police question accused Avinash Shukla

A Special Investigation Team is intensifying its probe into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple, with a 15-day extension granted for a comprehensive inquiry. Accused Avinash Shukla, involved in counting offerings, is currently being questioned. The controversy erupted after allegations of misappropriated funds, leading to an FIR and…

The Economic Times · Jul 3

Faizabad Bar Association seeks FIR against Champat Rai, others

Lawyers in Ayodhya have protested alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donation money, demanding an FIR against Champat Rai, former general secretary of the trust, and others. Police are investigating, with jailed accused Avinash Shukla taken into custody for further questioning. Meanwhile, a notice has been issued regarding alleged unauthorized construction…

The Economic Times · Jul 2

Ram Nivas temple head levels shrine grab charge against Champat Rai; Akhilesh Yadav seeks probe

A priest from a centuries-old temple near Ayodhya's Ram Mandir has accused Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and his associates of illegally seizing control of the shrine using forged documents. Hari Shankar Safariwala claims the temple, valued at Rs 50 crore, has been under their…

The Economic Times · Jul 2

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The Economic Times · Jul 2

Ram temple donation row: 'What transpired is confidential', says police after questioning Champat Rai

Ayodhya police have recorded the statement of Champat Rai, former general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, as part of the probe into alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations. Rai had previously offered to resign, taking moral responsibility for the controversy. The investigation is ongoing, with police…

The Economic Times · Jul 1

Ayodhya: Fresh raids, recoveries in Ram temple donation theft case

Amid growing allegations of misappropriation of donations intended for the Ram temple, Ayodhya police are bolstering their investigation with fresh searches. They've recovered substantial amounts of cash, gold, silver, and foreign currency, along with a QR code-enabled donation box.

Newslaundry · Jul 1

The making of Champat Rai: From trusted organiser to Ayodhya’s most controversial figure

In 1990, when L K Advani set out on his Rath Yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya, the journey didn’t survive contact with Bihar – Lalu Yadav’s government had him arrested in Samastipur. Into that vacuum stepped Ashok Singhal, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s then general secretary, who slipped into Ayodhya and…

The Economic Times · Jul 1

Ram temple donation case: Security agency denies role, says recruited SBI staff on bank's request

A private security firm has distanced itself from the alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations, stating it merely supplied 22 personnel for housekeeping duties to the State Bank of India's Ayodhya branch. The agency's director clarified they had no involvement in assigning tasks related to donation management. This statement comes…

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The Economic Times · Jul 1

Arvind Kejriwal leaves 'mysterious' information for tomorrow after questioning why didn't Amit Shah visit Ram Temple

Arvind Kejriwal has questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah's absence from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, alleging the BJP uses Lord Ram for votes but fails to visit the shrine. Kejriwal pointed out that despite the temple's establishment, Shah has not visited, posing several questions about his faith and intentions.…

The Economic Times · Jun 30

'BJP looted Ram Mandir more than Ghaznavi': UBT Sena MP Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has accused the BJP of "Ram-droh" (treason against Lord Ram) over alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations, comparing it to historical temple lootings. He linked this to the alleged house arrest of UP Congress chief Ajay Rai, suggesting Rai was stopped from exposing corruption.

The Economic Times · Jun 30

"Direct assault on religious faith": Jairam Ramesh alleges PM silent on Ram Mandir donation row

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of silence regarding alleged embezzlement of Ram Mandir donations, calling it an "assault on religious faith." This follows the arrest of UP Congress chief Ajay Rai while en route to Ayodhya. Rai alleged the UP government is "offering thieves" and…

The Economic Times · Jun 29

SBI wanted to change cash-counting staff at Ram temple 3 months ago: Sources

State Bank of India reportedly sought to replace cash-counting staff at the Ayodhya Ram temple three months ago due to suspicions of fund diversion, but the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust allegedly intervened. An FIR was filed, and eight individuals have been arrested following an SIT report, with significant…

The Economic Times · Jun 29

Ram temple donation row: Ayodhya lawyers boycott accused; demand for CBI probe; SC refuses urgent hearing

Separately, a plea seeking a time-bound investigation by a CBI-led multi-disciplinary team came before the Supreme Court, but the vacation bench questioned the urgency and postponed the hearing until after the summer break, saying "heavens are not going to fall".

Newslaundry · Jun 29

South Central 81: Ayodhya Ram temple trust allegations and the politics of defections

Was the lack of structure in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust by design? With allegations of corruption surfacing in the temple’s management, does the buck stop at the Prime Minister’s door?

The Economic Times · Jun 29

Ayodhya donation theft: UP Police probe assets of 22-year-old accused earning Rs 15,000 a month

A 22-year-old earning ₹15,000 monthly is under UP Police scrutiny for allegedly acquiring a ₹65-lakh house, a new farmhouse, a ₹1-lakh motorcycle, and a booked SUV. Investigators are probing if these assets, including a lavish village event, were funded by siphoned Ram temple donations. The probe is expanding to other…

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