8 Arrested in Ram Temple Donation Box Theft, Including Ex-Bank Staff

Eight people, including a temple attendant, former bank employees, and the individual who controlled the key to the Ram Temple's donation boxes, have been arrested in connection with an alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya shrine, police confirmed.

The arrests point to what investigators believe was a coordinated inside job. The accused had privileged access to the temple's donation collection infrastructure, enabling them to allegedly siphon funds that pilgrims had offered at one of India's most sacred and high-profile religious sites. The involvement of ex-banking staff adds a layer of financial sophistication to what may have been a systematic operation.

The Ram Temple in Ayodhya, consecrated in January 2024, draws enormous footfall and donations from devotees across the country and the diaspora. The security and integrity of its financial management has been a matter of institutional pride and public trust — making the alleged theft a significant reputational issue for those responsible for the temple's administration.

Authorities are likely to face pressure to tighten donation-handling protocols and oversight mechanisms. The case is expected to prompt a review of access controls, cash counting procedures, and the accountability systems governing temple finances — not just in Ayodhya but at major religious institutions across India.