'It Is a Great Sin': Dhirendra Krishna Shastri Condemns Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft (Watch Video)

Bageshwar Dham chief Acharya Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has strongly condemned the ongoing Ram Temple donation embezzlement controversy, terming the act of stealing from the sacred site a "great sin." Speaking on the matter, Shastri expressed confidence that those responsible would face severe consequences both in the legal system and from a higher power. "It is a great sin. The accused will face punishment not only under the law but also from God," Shastri stated. He added that society is currently passing through an age of deception ("Chhalyug") where religious institutions and saints are being systematically targeted.

SIT Uncovers Sophisticated Theft Modus Operandi

The statement comes amid an intensifying investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government. The alleged embezzlement, which first came to light on June 7, has led to the arrest of eight individuals associated with the temple's donation-counting unit. ‘Extremely Pained’: RSS Breaks Silence on Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Case (Watch Video).

According to Ayodhya police sources, a thorough review of 45 days of CCTV footage from the Pilgrim Facility Centre exposed a highly coordinated operation. The footage reportedly showed multiple accused pocketing bundles of cash and concealing them in their clothing and socks during the counting process. Other group members allegedly formed human shields to block the cameras' line of sight.

Interrogations revealed that the siphoned funds were initially hidden inside the temple complex's washrooms before being smuggled out in small tranches.

Massive Cash Recoveries and Accountability Demands

Law enforcement agencies have recovered approximately ₹80 lakh in cash, along with $1,121 USD, gold chains, and silver ornaments during raids on properties linked to the accused. The highest individual recovery of ₹20.39 lakh was made from a key accused, Avinash Shukla. Investigators also seized a rogue donation box labeled “Ramrajya Kosh” featuring a digital QR code from an Ayodhya yoga center where Shukla resided.

The widening financial probe has prompted the SIT to order a comprehensive five-year re-audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s accounts. The audit will scrutinize all historical construction expenditures, gold, silver, and jewelry donations. 'Can Employees Alone Pull Off Such a Big Scam?': Priyanka Gandhi Demands Transparent Probe Into Ram Mandir Donation Row.

'It Is a Great Sin'

VIDEO | Ayodhya: Reacting to the Ram Temple donation theft case, Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Krishna Shastri says, "It is a great sin. The accused will face punishment not only under the law but also from God." pic.twitter.com/ZwN8RpfmmH

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 3, 2026

Governance Overhaul and Resignations

The controversy has triggered a major administrative fallout within the temple management. Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra have both tendered their resignations following questioning by the SIT. The Trust is scheduled to meet on July 6 to make a formal decision regarding their positions.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale also addressed the issue, noting that the theft has "deeply hurt" the sentiments of millions of devotees worldwide.

In light of the security breach, religious leaders, including Dhirendra Shastri, have suggested that the long-term administration and donation-handling responsibilities of the temple should be permanently assigned to traditional, verified Sanatani Vaishnav saints to maintain transparency.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 03, 2026 06:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).