The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has uncovered serious security lapses in the cash-counting process, indicating that the theft was systematic and recurring rather than a series of isolated incidents.
After reviewing CCTV footage from April 27 to June 5, the SIT found that several cash-counting staff allegedly concealed bundles of cash in their clothes, pockets, shoes and other personal belongings. Investigators identified nearly 70 suspicious instances in which employees were seen allegedly hiding cash during the counting process.
In its preliminary report, the SIT highlighted significant shortcomings in CCTV monitoring, supervision of cash-counting personnel and overall security within the counting room. It noted the absence of frisking at entry and exit points, as well as inadequate checks on the personal belongings carried by employees into and out of the facility.
According to the report, nearly Rs 78.94 lakh was recovered from some employees even before the formal investigation began. In addition, around Rs 2.25 lakh was recovered from the cash-counting room during a search conducted on June 4.
The SIT also found that some employees had bank deposits and financial transactions that appeared disproportionate to their declared income. However, the investigation dismissed social media claims that silver bricks and other valuable offerings had gone missing from the temple, saying no evidence was found to support those allegations.
The report named six persons whose prima facie involvement has been indicated—Avinash Shukla, Anukul Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey and Ram Shankar Mishra. All these accused along with two others are already under arrest.
The Uttar Pradesh government constituted the SIT on June 13 at the request of the Ram Temple Trust following allegations of large-scale embezzlement of temple donations. The team submitted its preliminary report later that month.
Meanwhile, the Ram Temple Trust on Monday accepted the resignations of its general secretary, Champat Rai, and trustee Anil Mishra amid the donation theft controversy. Trustee Krishna Mohan has been appointed interim general secretary.
The trust has also announced the formation of a three-member search committee to identify a chief executive officer (CEO) for the temple administration.
Based on the SIT's findings, the Ayodhya Police registered an FIR and launched an investigation. The police have arrested eight people and also recorded the statements of former general secretary Champat Rai and former trustee Anil Mishra as part of the ongoing probe.
