News for 'ayodhya'

Bomb-making note found at Ayodhya medical college, student held

Bomb-making note found at Ayodhya medical college, student held

Rediff.com6 days ago

A first-year paramedical student in Ayodhya was detained after a handwritten note containing alleged bomb-making information was found in a medical college's X-ray department. Police are investigating the student's claim that he copied the information from a movie.

After donation theft, 250 Ayodhya seers meet to rebuild devotee trust

After donation theft, 250 Ayodhya seers meet to rebuild devotee trust

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

A crucial meeting of around 250 seers and VHP functionaries in Ayodhya will address issues concerning the Ram temple, including ensuring adherence to Vaishnav-Ramanandi traditions, restoring devotee confidence after an alleged donation theft, and deliberating on the Trust's management. The meeting follows deferred decisions by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on key appointments.

Ayodhya donation scam: SIT to question trust officials

Ayodhya donation scam: SIT to question trust officials

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donation money at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is expected to question people associated with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and review banking arrangements for donations.

RSS expresses 'grief' over donation theft in Ayodhya

RSS expresses 'grief' over donation theft in Ayodhya

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The RSS's annual Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak in Belagavi addressed alleged irregularities in the counting of donation box offerings at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, expressing confidence in the ongoing SIT probe. The meeting also reviewed training activities, centenary year programmes, and discussed critical issues such as population imbalance and drug abuse.

Ayodhya Ram Temple to train, certify priests for India, abroad

Ayodhya Ram Temple to train, certify priests for India, abroad

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The Ram temple trust's decision to establish a permanent institute for training and certifying Hindu priests is being seen by religious leaders and members of the Indian diaspora as a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for qualified 'archaks' (priests) not only in India but also overseas.

SC seeks SIT status report on Ayodhya donation 'theft'

SC seeks SIT status report on Ayodhya donation 'theft'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government's Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit a status report on the alleged embezzlement of donation money at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The court also issued notice to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust following pleas for a fair and time-bound probe, including demands for a CBI investigation and a CAG audit of the temple trust's finances.

Ayodhya lawyers not to defend temple fund scam accused

Ayodhya lawyers not to defend temple fund scam accused

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Local legal practitioners in Ayodhya are considering a unanimous refusal to defend the eight individuals accused in the Ram temple donations embezzlement case. The Faizabad Bar Association is set to make a final decision, driven by strong local sentiment against the alleged theft of temple offerings.

'No bureaucrats in Ram Temple Trust': Ayodhya seers warn govt

'No bureaucrats in Ram Temple Trust': Ayodhya seers warn govt

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Seers in Ayodhya are demanding that bureaucrats be excluded from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust following allegations of donation embezzlement and the resignations of two key members, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra. While some seers call for the trust to be run solely by religious figures to prevent corruption, others defend the integrity of the resigned officials, highlighting a division within the spiritual community regarding the trust's management and accountability.

After Ayodhya, Badrinath hit by donation theft claims

After Ayodhya, Badrinath hit by donation theft claims

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has launched an inquiry into allegations of embezzlement of offerings at Badrinath Dham, following similar claims regarding Ram temple donations. The committee president has vowed strict action if irregularities are proven, while the CEO outlined the investigation process.

SIT to re-audit Ayodhya trust's accounts of past 5 years

SIT to re-audit Ayodhya trust's accounts of past 5 years

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement at the Ram temple in Ayodhya will conduct a re-audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's accounts for the past five years, following preliminary findings of large-scale irregularities.

Ayodhya service complete, won't serve anymore: Champat Rai amid Ram mandir row

Ayodhya service complete, won't serve anymore: Champat Rai amid Ram mandir row

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Senior Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust functionary Champat Rai has reportedly resigned, stating his "service in Ayodhya is complete" due to the donation embezzlement controversy. He feels "betrayed," and his future, along with that of Trust member Anil Mishra, will be decided at a July 6 meeting. The controversy began with allegations from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, leading to an SIT investigation, arrests, and Rai's resignation offer.

Ram Temple row: Lawyers hold protest in Ayodhya, seek FIR against Champat Rai

Ram Temple row: Lawyers hold protest in Ayodhya, seek FIR against Champat Rai

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Lawyers of the Faizabad Bar Association on Thursday took out a protest march here and submitted a police complaint seeking an FIR against Ram Mandir Trust general secretary Champat Rai, trust member Anil Mishra and temple official Gopal Rao over alleged embezzlement of donation funds.

Ayodhya trust treasurer 'won't quit', blames SBI employees

Ayodhya trust treasurer 'won't quit', blames SBI employees

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, acknowledged supervisory lapses at the Ayodhya Ram temple following alleged donation theft, but stated he would not resign as he does not consider himself personally at fault. He estimated the theft could be around Rs 3 crore and criticised SBI for not verifying employee credentials.

How A Wanted Contract Killer Met His End In Ayodhya

How A Wanted Contract Killer Met His End In Ayodhya

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A wanted contract killer, Bhanu Pratap Singh, who had over 40 cases against him and carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh, died after being injured in a police encounter with the Special Task Force (STF) in Ayodhya. He succumbed to his injuries at Medical College, Ayodhya.

Ayodhya will be BJP's 'Lanka Kaand': Akhilesh Yadav

Ayodhya will be BJP's 'Lanka Kaand': Akhilesh Yadav

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has launched a scathing attack on the BJP, asserting that Ayodhya will be their "Lanka" due to alleged corruption in Ram Temple donations. He also linked the issue to the NEET controversy, suggesting a wider pattern of malfeasance and predicting internal strife within the ruling party.

Ayodhya Police Probe Viral Video Of Couple Assault

Ayodhya Police Probe Viral Video Of Couple Assault

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A video showing a group of saffron-clad men assaulting a young couple in a public park in Ayodhya has gone viral, leading police to launch an investigation. The attackers allegedly claimed the couple was 'desecrating' the temple town's religious character.

Ayodhya lawyers not to defend Ram temple accused; want Champat Rai, others to leave

Ayodhya lawyers not to defend Ram temple accused; want Champat Rai, others to leave

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Faizabad Bar Association in Ayodhya has resolved that its members will not represent the eight individuals accused of embezzling donations from the Ram Temple, imposing a Rs 5 lakh penalty on any lawyer who violates this decision. The association also demanded that Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao, associated with the temple management, leave Ayodhya within three days, threatening a city blockade if they do not comply.

Opposition protests force LS adjournment as Parliament stalemate continues

Opposition protests force LS adjournment as Parliament stalemate continues

Rediff.com2 days ago

Relentless protests by Opposition parties forced the adjournment of the Lok Sabha for the day after the passage of the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill without a debate on Wednesday, with the government accusing them of coming to the House to disrupt proceedings and not for discussion.

Raj Thackeray alleges massive donation theft at Siddhivinayak Temple

Raj Thackeray alleges massive donation theft at Siddhivinayak Temple

Rediff.com6 days ago

MNS president Raj Thackeray has alleged that Rs 18 crore is siphoned off annually from Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple and Rs 1,400 crore was stolen from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He demanded PM Modi address the issue, while the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust chairman confirmed arrests and increased income post-theft.

HC applied Ayodhya verdict principles to Bhojshala case

HC applied Ayodhya verdict principles to Bhojshala case

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court referenced the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict principles while ruling on the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex case, determining the site to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

Oppn raises 'Amit Shah absent', chanda chori banners at Parl

Oppn raises 'Amit Shah absent', chanda chori banners at Parl

Rediff.com4 days ago

Opposition MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest in the Parliament House complex against alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and "police excesses" against student protesters. The INDIA bloc vowed to continue their agitation, demanding accountability from the government, particularly Home Minister Amit Shah, on these issues.

Ram temple theft: Accused's wife gets fresh document deadline

Ram temple theft: Accused's wife gets fresh document deadline

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has granted Supriya Mishra, wife of Luv Kush Mishra, who is accused in the Ram temple donation case, an additional week to provide documents for a house in her name that is under construction in Ayodhya's Saadatganj area, the police said.

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Congress on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying not everyone in the BJP is a "chhanda chor" but all the "chhanda chors" are in the ruling party.

Rahul Gandhi booked over Ram temple 'chanda chori' skit at Parl

Rahul Gandhi booked over Ram temple 'chanda chori' skit at Parl

Rediff.com6 days ago

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and seers have filed police complaints and FIRs against Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, and Awadhesh Prasad for a skit performed in Parliament, alleging it mocked Sanatan culture and ridiculed Indian traditions concerning Ram Temple donations.

Opposition MPs enact 'donation theft' at Parliament complex

Opposition MPs enact 'donation theft' at Parliament complex

Rediff.com7 days ago

Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, staged a symbolic protest in Parliament, enacting the "theft" of Ram Temple donations. The INDIA bloc demanded Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation and questioned his absence, also protesting police action against student agitators.

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'The Ayodhya incident has certainly hurt the faith of all of us, of Ram devotees like us.'

Ram Temple Trust performs 'atonement' ritual after donation theft

Ram Temple Trust performs 'atonement' ritual after donation theft

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is conducting a 10-day purification ritual, including the recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra, to 'atone' for a recent donation theft at the Ayodhya Ram Temple complex and 'seek forgiveness' from the Almighty.

Justice M S Liberhan, who probed Babri demolition, dies

Justice M S Liberhan, who probed Babri demolition, dies

Rediff.com4 days ago

Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan, who led the commission investigating the Babri Masjid demolition, has passed away at 87. His distinguished career included serving as Chief Justice of the Madras and Andhra Pradesh High Courts, and a long tenure at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Slipper attack on Pappu Yadav at presser as he defends Ram Temple theft skit

Slipper attack on Pappu Yadav at presser as he defends Ram Temple theft skit

Rediff.com5 days ago

The controversy surrounding the Parliament Ram Mandir skit intensified on Sunday after a clash broke out at the residence of Purnia MP Pappu Yadav, who had portrayed a temple priest wearing saffron robes during the performance in Parliament on Friday.

Will Ram temple trust decide on new CEO, secretary today?

Will Ram temple trust decide on new CEO, secretary today?

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to hold crucial meetings to appoint a new general secretary, fill three vacant trustee posts, and deliberate on the appointment of the temple's first Chief Executive Officer (CEO), all while addressing the ongoing donation theft controversy and the Supreme Court's call for a fair investigation.

Nirmohi Akhara moves SC seeking reconstitution of Ram temple trust

Nirmohi Akhara moves SC seeking reconstitution of Ram temple trust

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Nirmohi Akhara has approached the Supreme Court, seeking a directive to the Centre to reconstitute the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Theerth Kshetra Trust as a 'public trust' and include structural safeguards for oversight by seers, citing alleged large-scale embezzlement of donations.

SBI to oversee new donation counting system at Ram Temple

SBI to oversee new donation counting system at Ram Temple

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Ram Temple trust in Ayodhya has implemented a new, two-shift system for counting cash donations, overseen by the State Bank of India (SBI), following an embezzlement scandal. A new team, including ex-servicemen and supervisors, has been deployed to enhance security and transparency in the process, aiming to prevent future theft and restore public trust.

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. They highlighted that devotees feel betrayed and urged the Prime Minister to ensure accountability and make the Trust's financial affairs public. The controversy follows the arrest of eight people and the resignation of two Trust functionaries in connection with the alleged theft.

Shri Ram Bhoomi Movie Gets Rolling

Shri Ram Bhoomi Movie Gets Rolling

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

'Our new film, Shri Ram Bhoomi, begins shooting today in Ayodhya. How can any new work begin without the blessings of Ram Lalla and Lord Hanuman?'

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Sacred spots and soaring peaks: Bucket-listing across the heartland. Roopa Unnikrishnan and her father journey through the heart of India.

Ram Temple theft: SC expands SIT; seeks status report in two weeks

Ram Temple theft: SC expands SIT; seeks status report in two weeks

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday took note of setting up of a four-member SIT headed by IGP Kiran S to probe alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and asked the Uttar Pradesh government to also include a forensic auditor in the probe team.

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Rediff.com2 days ago

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss resolving the persistent deadlock in the Lok Sabha's monsoon session, focusing on the Delimitation Bill and FCRA Bill, though no immediate commitment was secured from the Congress leader.

Ram Temple theft: Police seek custody of 2 accused after fresh disclosure

Ram Temple theft: Police seek custody of 2 accused after fresh disclosure

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Police investigating the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya have requested seven-day custody for two jailed accused, Ram Shankar Yadav and Subhash Srivastava. This request follows new disclosures that necessitate further verification and recovery of evidence. The court is set to hear the remand application on July 14, as investigators scrutinise financial transactions and property purchases to trace the diverted funds.

Ram temple theft: 'Important documents' found in accused's house

Ram temple theft: 'Important documents' found in accused's house

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The police sealed the room in the rented house of the accused. The police have taken the DVR of the CCTV camera installed at Mishra's rented house into their custody, official sources said.

Ram Temple donation scam: Security agency cites SBI request

Ram Temple donation scam: Security agency cites SBI request

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

A private security agency has denied involvement in the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The agency stated it only recruited personnel for housekeeping at an SBI branch at the bank's request, disclaiming responsibility for their duties or the alleged theft, which is currently under SIT investigation.