Ram temple donations embezzlement case: A timeline of events

In early June, Samajwadi Party chief Akilesh Yadav brought attention to reports about alleged embezzlement of devotee donations given to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The amounts that were alleged to have been embezzled ran into crores. A Special Investigative Team constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government later found that silver and diamonds meant for the deity were also swindled.

Leaders from parties like the SP, Congress and the Aam Admi Party in Delhi have raised doubts about the government’s impartiality in the case, while those from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have warned against ‘divisive’ statements and expressed confidence in the SIT probe to uncover those responsible.

High-ranking leaders within the temple administration have resigned, eight people have been arrested and standard operating procedure (SOP) violations on the part of the temple administration have been found over the course of this month.

Here is a timeline of key events.