'Playing With Faith Unacceptable': CM Yogi's 1st Remarks After Arrests In Ram Temple Donation Theft

Last Updated:June 26, 2026, 13:37 IST

The case of alleged embezzlement of donations made by devotees to the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple stems from claims that valuable items were stolen and replaced with fake items

A day after the arrest of eight people in connection with the alleged theft of donations at Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath vowed a “zero-tolerance" approach towards anyone who attempted to exploit the values of the Sanatana.

On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Police arrested all eight accused named in the FIR linked to the alleged embezzlement of donations made by devotees to the shrine of Ram Lalla at the temple in Ayodhya.

Addressing a public gathering in Deoria, CM Yogi said: “We had said, ‘Do not worry about Ayodhya.’ As soon as the SIT report was released, action was initiated immediately. Playing with matters of faith is unacceptable. I would also appeal to those attempting to raise this issue today — these are the very people who once denied the existence of Lord Ram", according to India Today. 

The Chief Minister noted that an action was taken immediately after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report was out.

“I was on a visit to Ayodhya on June 19th. Even then, I had said that Ayodhya is a symbol of our unity, a symbol of the unity of India’s Sanatan Dharma. Do not cast aspersions on Ayodhya; learn to follow the dignity of lord Ram", he said.

Yogi’s Salvo At Opposition

CM Yogi fired fresh salvos at the opposition over their criticism of the developments linked to the case. He highlighted what he described as the opposition’s stance against the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, claiming they were trying to politicise the issue.

“One side used to say that lord Ram doesn’t even exist, meaning these people wanted to deny Ayodhya itself. They kept fighting the case in court continuously, kept fielding armies of lawyers against the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, and the other side is the one that would wield sticks and fire bullets at those chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram.’ Those who would fire bullets at the mere mention of Lord Ram’s name are now saying that there has been tampering with faith… They would incite riots on Ram Navami, ban Shri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, prevent the Kanwar Yatra from taking place, incite riots during Durga Puja…" said the Chief Minister.

CM Yogi targeted the Congress party, accusing the previous governments of indulging in corruption and dishonest acts.

“Remember, the Congress didn’t just loot the country; they tore it apart. The records of dishonesty and corruption they established, and those very people are now casting aspersions on Ayodhya? This is unacceptable. The government’s intention is clear…, everything will come before everyone. But I will appeal once again: do not test Ram devotees, stop tampering with their faith. If there are no facts or evidence, then stop the accusations and counter-accusations, and if there is evidence, then present it before the SIT."

The Chief Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding devotee’s interests, and said the action was proceeding as per the SIT’s recommendations.

“The government is proceeding with the action as per the SIT’s recommendations, and while the team of senior officials is working, stop making political statements about it", he said.

The case of alleged embezzlement of donations made by devotees to the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple stems from claims that valuable items –– gold, silver, and diamond ornaments along with cash –– were stolen and replaced with fake items.

A two-member SIT formed by the CM Yogi-led government is examining discrepancies in donation handling and financial records at the temple.

News india 'Playing With Faith Unacceptable': CM Yogi's 1st Remarks After Arrests In Ram Temple Donation Theft

Read More