AAP chief alleges only junior employees are being targeted in the Ram Temple donation case, while BJP says the probe is transparent and ongoing.
June 26, 2026: AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday described the FIR in the alleged Ayodhya Ram Temple donation embezzlement case as a “sham”, claiming that the investigation was targeting only junior employees while protecting those at higher levels. During his visit to Ayodhya, where he offered prayers at Hanumangarhi and the Ram Temple along with AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, Kejriwal said the alleged scam could not have continued for such a long period without the involvement of senior officials. He added that eight low-level employees had been arrested while the “real masterminds” were allegedly being shielded.
The controversy began after allegations surfaced that donations made by devotees at the Ram Temple had been misappropriated. Following reports that cash was recovered from the residence of a temple employee, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust sought an investigation. The Uttar Pradesh government subsequently formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), which submitted a preliminary report recommending criminal action. Based on the report, police registered an FIR on June 25 against eight accused under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal breach of trust, cheating and conspiracy. All eight have since been arrested.
The BJP rejected Kejriwal’s allegations, maintaining that the investigation is being conducted fairly and transparently. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said the government would take strict action against anyone found guilty, while BJP MP Dinesh Sharma noted that the temple trust itself had requested the investigation. The SIT has also recommended appointing a chief executive officer for the temple administration, conducting weekly donation audits and strengthening record-keeping systems to improve transparency in managing devotees’ offerings.