Ram Temple Donation Theft: Champat Rai, Anil Mishra Named Prosecution Witnesses in Chargesheet

Ram Temple Donation Theft Case: Latest Developments in Ayodhya

The investigation into the alleged Ram temple donation theft in Ayodhya has reached a significant stage, with investigators filing a chargesheet against eight accused individuals. The case concerns alleged irregularities in handling devotees’ cash offerings at the Ram Mandir, raising questions about donation collection, counting procedures, and financial accountability.

Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and former trustee Anil Kumar Mishra have been named as prosecution witnesses in the chargesheet. Their inclusion is noteworthy because both held important positions within the Trust during the period under investigation.

The chargesheet was filed before the special Anti-Corruption Court in Ayodhya on September 23, 2026. Investigators have listed 133 witnesses as part of the prosecution’s case.

Champat Rai and Anil Kumar Mishra Named as Prosecution Witnesses

Champat Rai and Anil Kumar Mishra are among the individuals identified as prosecution witnesses in the donation-related investigation.

Rai previously served as the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, while Mishra served as a trustee. Both were questioned during the investigation regarding the temple’s donation management arrangements.

According to reports, investigators examined their statements to understand how devotees’ offerings were collected, counted, and deposited into bank accounts.

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Importantly, being named as a prosecution witness does not mean that either individual has been charged with the alleged theft. The chargesheet identifies them as witnesses whose statements may assist the prosecution in presenting its case before the court.

Eight Individuals Named as Accused in the Chargesheet

The investigation has identified eight individuals as accused in the alleged donation embezzlement case.

Six of them were associated with the donation-counting process, while the remaining two were allegedly involved in facilitating the diversion of funds.

The accused include:

• Avinash Shukla, also known as Shani

• Anukalp Mishra

• Lavkush Mishra

• Manish Kumar Yadav

• Karunesh Pandey

• Ramashankar Mishra

• Subhash Srivastava

• Ramashankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu

Investigators allege that certain counting agents misused their access to devotees’ cash offerings during the counting process. The chargesheet also describes alleged coordination among the accused to remove, conceal, and divert portions of the collected donations.

These allegations remain subject to judicial examination, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

CCTV Footage Reveals 105 Suspected Theft Instances

One of the significant developments in the Ram temple donation theft investigation involves the examination of CCTV footage and digital evidence.

According to the investigation findings submitted to the Supreme Court, investigators identified 105 suspected instances of unauthorised removal or concealment of currency inside the donation-counting room.

The SIT also examined bank transactions, mobile phone records, property dealings, and other electronic evidence to establish the alleged financial trail.

Reports further indicate that investigators recovered approximately ₹79.85 lakh allegedly connected to the suspected embezzlement from seven of the eight accused individuals.

The evidence forms part of the prosecution’s case and will be considered through the legal proceedings.

Legal Sections Invoked in the Donation Theft Case

The chargesheet invokes several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions concerning criminal breach of trust, handling of property allegedly derived from an offence, concealment, and criminal conspiracy.

The investigation also involved provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, with prosecution sanction obtained against the six donation-counting agents, according to the chargesheet details reported by Hindustan Times.

These legal provisions will form part of the prosecution’s arguments as the case proceeds through the judicial process.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and Donation Transparency

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust oversees the development and administration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Devotees contribute donations through various channels, including cash offerings. The alleged irregularities have brought attention to the importance of transparent donation counting, proper documentation, financial audits, and secure cash-handling procedures at religious institutions.

The investigation has also highlighted the role of internal controls and monitoring systems in safeguarding public contributions.

Following the developments, Champat Rai and Anil Kumar Mishra resigned from their respective Trust positions. Their names appearing as prosecution witnesses have become a central point of discussion surrounding the case.

What Happens Next in the Ayodhya Donation Theft Case?

With the chargesheet filed, the legal proceedings will move forward through the court. The prosecution will rely on witness statements, CCTV footage, financial records, and other collected evidence to establish its allegations.

The court has directed that copies of the chargesheet and relevant documents be supplied to the eight accused. Their next scheduled appearance was reported as October 7, 2026.

The inclusion of Champat Rai and Anil Kumar Mishra as prosecution witnesses marks an important development in the investigation. However, the final determination of responsibility will depend on the evidence presented and the court’s findings.

As the Ram temple donation theft case progresses, transparency, accountability, and the protection of devotees’ contributions remain central concerns.