The investigation into alleged irregularities involving donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has intensified, with Uttar Pradesh Police registering an FIR against eight individuals following a complaint filed by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The police action comes just days after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted its preliminary report to the state government regarding allegations of misappropriation of devotees' offerings at the temple.

According to officials, the FIR was lodged at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station on the complaint of Trust member Krishna Mohan. The case names eight accused and includes charges related to theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating, conspiracy, and alleged embezzlement of donations received from devotees.

Among those named in the FIR are Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu, Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Lavkush Mishra, Subhash Srivastava, Ramashankar Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, and Karunesh Pandey. Some of the accused were reportedly associated with the handling and counting of cash offerings at the temple.

The controversy surfaced earlier this month after allegations emerged regarding possible irregularities in the management of donations and valuables offered by devotees. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member SIT to conduct an independent inquiry into the matter. The Trust had also sought a detailed investigation, stating that the probe was necessary to establish facts and address concerns surrounding the issue.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the SIT examined financial records, questioned several individuals connected to the donation management process, and submitted its initial findings earlier this week. Based on those findings, authorities moved forward with criminal proceedings.

In a further development, reports indicate that all eight accused were taken into custody shortly after the FIR was registered and are being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation. Police are also examining whether additional individuals may have been involved in the alleged misuse of temple funds and valuables.

The case has attracted significant public attention due to the religious and cultural importance of the Ram Temple, which receives donations from devotees across the country and abroad. Authorities have assured that the investigation will be carried out thoroughly and that appropriate action will be taken based on the evidence collected. The SIT probe is continuing, and officials have not ruled out further legal or administrative measures as the inquiry progresses.