Is 'Bulldozer Baba' Yogi Set To Raze Homes Of Ram Temple Donation Theft Accused?

Last Updated:July 03, 2026, 11:10 IST

The proposed bulldozer action adds a new dimension to the probe, drawing comparisons with past instances of UP acting against illegal properties linked to criminal accused.

Is the Uttar Pradesh government preparing to bulldoze the houses of those accused in the Ram Temple donation theft case? The question has gathered momentum after authorities began proceedings against properties linked to two arrested accused, even as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) intensified its probe by questioning Ram Temple trustee Anil Mishra behind closed doors and separately interrogating construction in-charge Gopal Rao in Ayodhya.

The SIT’s latest round of questioning is being seen as a crucial phase of the investigation into the alleged embezzlement of devotees’ donations at the Ram Temple. Mishra was questioned for several hours regarding the trust’s internal functioning, the donation counting process, security arrangements, employee supervision and the standard operating procedures governing the handling of offerings made by devotees.

Investigators are attempting to determine whether administrative lapses or procedural failures within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust created opportunities for the alleged theft. While Mishra has not been named as an accused, officials are examining the chain of responsibility and accountability within the trust.

Construction in-charge Gopal Rao was also questioned separately. Sources said investigators compared his statements with those of the arrested employees and other evidence collected during the probe. The SIT is trying to piece together how the alleged theft continued undetected and whether any supervisory failures contributed to the scam.

The investigation has now moved beyond the arrested employees and is focusing on the functioning of the temple administration. Officials are reviewing records related to donation collection, counting, storage and surveillance systems, besides examining the deployment of staff and internal monitoring mechanisms.

Meanwhile, authorities have initiated action against properties allegedly owned by two of the arrested accused. According to officials, notices have been issued after alleged violations of building norms were detected during inspections. If the explanations submitted by the property owners are found unsatisfactory, demolition proceedings could follow under existing municipal laws.

The proposed bulldozer action has added another dimension to the high-profile investigation, drawing comparisons with previous instances where the Uttar Pradesh government acted against illegally constructed properties linked to persons accused in criminal cases.

Officials, however, maintain that any demolition would be based strictly on violations of building regulations and not merely because of the criminal investigation.

The SIT is simultaneously carrying out a detailed financial investigation. Bank accounts, property purchases, investments and other financial transactions of the accused are being scrutinised to establish whether the alleged stolen donations were diverted into personal assets. Investigators have already recovered cash and other valuables during searches conducted at multiple locations.

The donation theft case came to light after allegations that employees involved in counting and handling offerings systematically siphoned off cash donated by devotees. So far, eight people have been arrested, and investigators believe the conspiracy may have continued for several months before it was detected.

The probe has also revealed alleged shortcomings in the temple’s surveillance system, including the periodic deletion of CCTV footage, which investigators believe may have made it difficult to establish the complete extent of the alleged embezzlement. Authorities are now examining whether additional safeguards are required to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Uttar Pradesh government recently granted the SIT an additional 15 days to complete its investigation. During this period, the team is expected to question more officials, analyse financial records, verify digital evidence and establish whether more individuals were involved in the alleged conspiracy.

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