New Delhi, June 20 -- A major controversy has erupted around the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, with allegations that crores of rupees in donations may have been siphoned off by staff responsible for counting offerings. Reports suggest the alleged irregularities could run as high as Rs 200 crore, though specific figures remain under investigation.

The issue first came to light through an internal audit conducted by the Ram Temple Trust, which reportedly flagged discrepancies in cash and valuables collected through the temple's donation boxes, locally known as "hundis." A subsequent review of CCTV footage from the counting areas raised suspicions about the conduct of certain employees tasked with handling daily offerings.

The ma...