Ram temple donations: SIT report alleges repeated cash concealment in counting room

A Special Investigation Team probing alleged theft and embezzlement of Ram temple donations reports repeated suspected cash concealment during counting, based on CCTV footage from late April to early June. The preliminary findings, shared with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, cite serious lapses in security checks and supervision while the inquiry continues.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged theft and embezzlement of Ram temple donations flagged repeated suspected cash concealment during counting. The preliminary findings cited about 70 suspicious moments in CCTV footage. The SIT also pointed to weak security checks and poor supervision in the counting room. The findings were shared with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri said the trustees heard the preliminary report without discussion. Govind Dev Giri also said the probe was still in progress. The Uttar Pradesh government sent the preliminary SIT report to the trust on June 25. The report was attached to a trust release issued after its Monday meeting.

Ram temple donation probe: CCTV and counting room lapses

The SIT said CCTV clips from April 27 to June 5 showed staff allegedly hiding cash. The report said bundles and loose notes were put in clothes and pockets. It also mentioned shoes and other hiding places. The SIT said these were not one-off acts. It described the pattern as repeated and systematic.

The preliminary report listed several process failures during counting. It said staff were not searched at entry and exit points. It flagged poor control over personal items brought inside. The SIT also said money from multiple donation boxes was counted together. It noted gaps in recording and checking valuable offerings.

Ram temple donation probe: named persons and recoveries

The report indicated prima facie involvement of six people. The names were Avinash Shukla, Anukul Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey and Ram Shankar Mishra. The SIT said all these accused, and two others, were already under arrest. The findings formed part of the ongoing case record.

The SIT report said nearly Rs 78.94 lakh was recovered from some employees. It said this recovery happened before the investigation started. It also recorded a recovery of around Rs 2.25 lakh. The report linked this to the counting room on June 4. These figures were included as part of the preliminary assessment.

Ram temple donation probe: bank checks and oversight questions

The SIT said bank account checks showed deposits beyond declared income. It also referred to transactions that did not match known earnings. The team said this required deeper financial scrutiny. The report also questioned trust monitoring systems. It cited weaknesses in security, CCTV use, and staff frisking practices.

The SIT said social media claims about missing silver bricks were unproven. It added that other claims about costly donated items also lacked support at this stage. Still, the team advised tighter systems for valuables. It recommended stronger management, documentation, and verification for offerings. This was presented as a risk control step.

The trust meeting on Monday accepted two resignations amid the controversy. The trust accepted resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra. The trust also appointed Krishna Mohan as interim general secretary. The issue has continued to draw attention due to the scale of donations handled.

Govind Dev Giri said the preliminary report was only an interim finding. Govind Dev Giri also said claims about missing jewellery were unfounded. Govind Dev Giri displayed ornaments and donated valuables before the media. Govind Dev Giri said they were safely preserved by the trust. The SIT said further investigation and legal action will follow.

The SIT was formed on June 13 to probe donation counting allegations at the Ram temple. The Uttar Pradesh government granted the team a 15-day extension on July 1. The preliminary report highlighted suspected misconduct, process gaps, and oversight issues. The trust has acknowledged key developments while the investigation continues. Further findings are expected after the detailed probe.

With inputs from PTI