How Rs 40,000 Cash Found In A Temple Washroom Exposed The Ram Mandir Donation Theft

Last Updated:July 17, 2026, 09:50 IST

Police say cash stolen during the counting process was first hidden in washrooms in the temple complex and then taken out in small batches over time to avoid attracting attention

What began as the recovery of a suspicious bundle of cash from a washroom inside the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya has snowballed into one of the biggest donation theft scandals linked to the temple.

According to a Times of India report, it was the chance discovery of Rs 40,000 hidden in a washroom, coupled with the alertness of a security guard, that first exposed what investigators now believe was a well-organised racket siphoning off devotees’ donations over several months.

The discovery eventually led investigators to CCTV footage, multiple arrests, the recovery of cash and valuables, and a complete overhaul of the temple’s donation collection system.

Here’s how the scam came to light.

A Washroom Discovery

According to the TOI report, the breakthrough came when a security guard found Rs 40,000 concealed inside a washroom within the temple complex.

The discovery raised immediate suspicion, prompting temple authorities to examine CCTV footage from the donation counting area. What they allegedly found went far beyond a single bundle of hidden cash.

Investigators reportedly saw members of the cash-counting team allegedly concealing currency notes on their person while handling donations made by devotees. The findings triggered a wider probe into the temple’s donation management system.

How The Money Was Smuggled Out

Investigators say the accused followed a simple but carefully planned modus operandi.

According to police, cash stolen during the counting process was first hidden inside washrooms in the temple complex. It was then taken out in small batches over time to avoid attracting the attention of security personnel or colleagues.

The method, investigators believe, allowed the accused to repeatedly remove money from the premises without immediately raising suspicion.

The Probe Widens

The washroom discovery led to a full-fledged probe by the Trust, in which Rs 80 lakh was recovered, before the issue gained widespread attention and the probe was handed over to the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

So far, eight people associated with the donation counting process have been arrested. Investigators have recovered large amounts of cash, jewellery and even a vehicle allegedly purchased using misappropriated donation money. Police are also examining around 50 bank accounts linked to the accused and their relatives to trace the money trail.

Investigators believe the theft may have continued for months, though the exact amount siphoned off may never be known because of incomplete records and the sheer volume of daily donations received by the temple.

Systemic Lapses Under Scanner

The probe has also highlighted alleged procedural lapses in the handling of donations.

Earlier SIT findings indicated that one of the key accused allegedly had unauthorised access to the keys of the donation boxes, raising questions about oversight and internal controls. Officials are also examining whether others involved in the counting process or supervisory roles ignored the alleged thefts or failed to detect them.

In the wake of the scandal, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has introduced sweeping changes to the way donations are handled.

The trust has tightened security around the counting process, strengthened surveillance, introduced stricter monitoring protocols and revamped the cash collection system to reduce the scope for human intervention and financial irregularities.

The reforms are aimed at restoring public confidence after the embezzlement of donations made by lakhs of devotees visiting the Ram Mandir.

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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