Veteran actor Anupam Kher has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the alleged donation theft at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir, urging strict action against those responsible while emphasizing that individual crimes should not be used to question people’s faith. His remarks come amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged financial irregularities linked to the temple trust.
Anupam Kher Speaks On Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case
The controversy erupted after Uttar Pradesh Police arrested eight staff members associated with the Ram Mandir trust in late June 2026 for allegedly stealing around ₹80 lakh from temple donation boxes.
The arrests have since led to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, which is also examining allegations related to inflated land transactions and claims involving missing silver bricks.
Responding to the issue, Anupam Kher, who portrays a VHP leader in his upcoming film Shri Ram Bhoomi, said those found guilty should receive strict punishment but argued that the actions of a few individuals should not be used to undermine religious faith.
Anupam Kher HITS BACK at Naseeruddin Shah after being called a “clown” and “sycophant.”
Kher said, “You’ve been consuming certain substances for years, so perhaps you no longer know what’s right or wrong. And as for what’s in my blood, it’s Hindustan.”
He also added that he NO… pic.twitter.com/2c53DbdtKm
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) July 13, 2026
‘Punish The Guilty, Not The Faith’
During his remarks, Kher compared the incident to a theft inside a house, suggesting that a robbery does not mean people stop trusting or living in their homes.
According to the actor, those responsible should face legal consequences, but the alleged misconduct of individuals should not become a reason to question the beliefs of millions of devotees.
His comments quickly sparked debate across social media platforms.
Remarks Trigger Online Debate
While several users supported Kher’s statement, others criticized one of his historical references.
Some social media users pointed out that he mistakenly referred to Lord Ram’s era as the Dwapar Yuga instead of the Treta Yuga, leading to widespread discussion online.
The remarks also revived older debates involving actor Naseeruddin Shah after users reshared a 2020 video clip featuring his comments on religion and society.
SIT Probe Continues
Meanwhile, the investigation into the alleged financial irregularities remains ongoing.
Apart from the reported ₹80 lakh donation theft, the Uttar Pradesh SIT is examining broader allegations related to land purchases and other financial transactions involving the trust.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has denied allegations of any large-scale financial wrongdoing and has sought an independent probe into the matter.
According to reports, petitions seeking a CBI investigation are scheduled to be heard in court on July 13.
Ouch!!!!! If words could kill, Anupam Kher just spit roasted Naseeruddin Shah. pic.twitter.com/VmjNDF8Wbn
— Abhijit Iyer-Mitra (@Iyervval) July 13, 2026
About Shri Ram Bhoomi
Anupam Kher will next be seen portraying a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader in Shri Ram Bhoomi, a film inspired by events surrounding the Ram Mandir movement.
The project is currently among his most anticipated upcoming releases.
