Champat Rai's Driver, Retired Banker & More: Who Are The 8 Arrested In Ram Mandir Donation Case?

Last Updated:June 26, 2026, 12:07 IST

According to the investigation, all eight were directly associated with the collection, handling or counting of cash donations received at the temple

The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has gathered pace with the arrest of all eight accused named in the FIR. Those arrested include the temple trust’s cash-counting staff, the head of the counting operation, a retired banker who supervised the process, and Ram Mandir Trust General Secretary Champat Rai’s driver and close associate, Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu.

The FIR was lodged after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted its preliminary report to the Uttar Pradesh government, prompting the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to initiate criminal proceedings. The accused have been booked under charges including theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal conspiracy.

Who Are The Eight Accused?

According to the FIR, the eight arrested are:

1. Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu: An associate and driver of Ram Mandir Trust General Secretary Champat Rai. Investigators allege he played a central role in the alleged diversion of donation funds

2. Anukalp Mishra: Head of the cash-counting operation

3. Subhash Srivastava: Cash counting in-charge and a retired bank employee responsible for supervising the counting process

4. Avinash Shukla: Cash counting staff

5. Karunesh Pandey: Cash counting staff

6. Manish Yadav: Cash counting staff

7. Lavkush Mishra: Cash counting staff

8. Rama Shankar Mishra: Cash counting staff

According to the investigation, all eight were directly associated with the collection, handling or counting of cash donations received at the temple.

What Is The Case About?

The controversy surfaced after allegations emerged that cash offerings made by devotees at the Ram Mandir were being siphoned off before being deposited into the temple’s official accounts.

Following the allegations, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted an SIT to probe the matter. The team’s preliminary report reportedly pointed to serious procedural lapses in the handling and counting of donations, following which the Trust lodged an FIR with the Ayodhya police.

Earlier, the SIT had questioned several individuals linked to the cash-counting process, including Trust member Dr Anil Mishra, as part of its investigation into the appointment of personnel and the procedures followed for counting offerings.

Does The FIR Name Champat Rai?

Despite political demands for action against senior Trust officials, including General Secretary Champat Rai, the FIR does not name him as an accused.

Earlier reports had indicated that the SIT’s preliminary findings did not recommend criminal action against Rai, though the probe into the alleged financial irregularities remains ongoing. Authorities have said further action will depend on evidence gathered during the investigation.

What Has Yogi Adityanath Said?

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath broke his silence on the issue on X, saying: “Our ancestors struggled for 500 years for the construction of the Ram Temple. Please wait for another 15 days and have patience. Do not worry and do not fall prey to attempts to defame Ayodhya. If anyone is guilty, regardless of who they are…they will not be spared."

He also attacked the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, accusing them of adopting double standards and questioning the existence of Lord Ram.

Speaking at a public function in Ayodhya, the chief minister added: “Look at the dual character of the Samajwadi Party. Today, they claim that Ram devotees have been insulted. These are the same people under whose government bullets were fired on kar sevaks and Ram devotees. At the request of the Ram Temple Trust, we constituted an SIT, and the investigation will establish the truth. I urge everyone not to make irresponsible comments that hurt the sentiments of Ram devotees."

What Has Akhilesh Yadav Said?

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has accused the Uttar Pradesh government of “protecting big fish" and alleged that all the evidence may have been cleaned up under the pretext of forming an SIT.

About the Author

Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is a News Editor at News18.com with a keen interest in politics and current affairs. She loves uncovering fresh angles and telling stories through long-form features and explainers. Foll...Read More

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