Ram Mandir Donation Case: Ayodhya Priest Questioned By SIT, Seeks Formation Of A New Temple Trust

Last Updated:July 03, 2026, 14:58 IST

Mahant Mishra described the alleged irregularities as a "complete failure" of the Trust's functioning

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple has recorded the statement of Ayodhya priest Mahant Vinod Mishra, who has levelled serious allegations against the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and demanded that the existing body be dissolved.

Appearing before investigators, Mahant Mishra described the alleged irregularities as a “complete failure" of the Trust’s functioning. He urged the government to constitute a new Trust that includes Ayodhya’s chief priests, arguing that greater accountability was needed in the management of donations offered by devotees at the temple.

His statement comes as the SIT widens its investigation into the alleged diversion of cash and valuables donated at the Ram Temple. Investigators are now collecting statements from devotees who donated jewellery and ornaments, particularly those who claim they never received official receipts acknowledging their offerings.

According to Mahant Mishra, the case dates back to October 2025, when some of his disciples – businessmen based in Mumbai – expressed their desire to donate silver Charan Padukas and other ornaments to Lord Ram. At their request, he contacted Tinnu Yadav, who allegedly facilitated the donation process.

Mahant Mishra claimed that Tinnu Yadav invited the devotees to the temple, arranged their entry and placed the ornaments before the deity. However, he alleged that the offerings were never formally accepted by the temple authorities through the prescribed process.

When the donors sought official receipts for the valuables they had offered, they were allegedly told that the documents would be issued later because they were “from the neighbourhood." Months have passed since then, Mahant Mishra claimed, but no receipts have been issued.

Following the emergence of the alleged embezzlement case, Mahant Mishra said he personally visited Karsevakpuram to verify the status of the donated ornaments. According to him, the silver Charan Padukas and other valuables contributed by his disciples could not be traced there.

The SIT has since contacted Mahant Mishra to gather further details regarding the alleged missing ornaments and is also reaching out directly to the donors involved to document their accounts. Investigators are particularly examining cases where donations were accepted without official receipts, as they seek to establish the movement of valuables handed over to temple functionaries.

Mahant Mishra has demanded that authorities disclose the whereabouts of the ornaments allegedly collected by Tinnu Yadav and identify those responsible for their handling. He also called for action against officials within the Ram Temple Trust if lapses are established during the investigation.

Despite his criticism of the Trust, Mahant Mishra expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying he believes the investigation will ensure accountability. He said he expects the existing Trust to be dissolved and replaced with a new body that would prevent any recurrence of alleged theft or embezzlement of devotees’ offerings.

News india Ram Mandir Donation Case: Ayodhya Priest Questioned By SIT, Seeks Formation Of A New Temple Trust

Read More