Ram Temple donation theft: CCTV shows staff hiding cash in pockets, shoes as probe deepens

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at Ayodhya's Ram Temple has found evidence of systematic theft inside the temple's donation counting room, with employees allegedly hiding cash in their clothes and footwear before leaving the premises.

In its nine-page preliminary report submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government, the SIT said repeated security lapses and inadequate supervision by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust created an environment that allowed the alleged thefts to continue unchecked.

The findings have led to the resignations of the Trust's General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra.

CCTV captured repeated thefts

The SIT examined CCTV footage recorded between April 27 and June 5, and identified around 70 instances of suspicious activity inside the donation counting room.

According to the report, counting staff were allegedly seen hiding bundles of cash in their pockets, waistbands, socks and shoes before leaving the facility. Investigators said the pattern suggested the thefts were organised and repeated rather than isolated incidents.

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The probe also found that several accused had cash deposits in their bank accounts that were disproportionate to their reported monthly salaries.

Security protocols ignored

The investigation found that several standard operating procedures jointly framed by the Trust and the State Bank of India (SBI) were not followed.

According to the SIT, staff were not frisked while entering or leaving the counting room, despite mandatory security checks. Employees also wore regular clothing instead of the prescribed pocketless uniforms and were allowed to carry personal belongings into areas where donations were counted.

The report further noted that CCTV footage was automatically overwritten after 45 days, despite earlier recommendations to preserve recordings for 180 days, limiting investigators' ability to examine older incidents.

Senior officials under scrutiny

The SIT also pointed to administrative failures within the Trust. It said trustee Anil Mishra failed to implement recommended safeguards despite repeated warnings.

Investigators also found that the keys to several temple donation boxes were allegedly being handled by a former driver associated with the Trust without formal authorisation. The report said one of his relatives was among those accused of participating in the alleged theft.

So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case. Police said they have recovered around Rs 80 lakh in cash, along with foreign currency, during the investigation.

The SIT said there was no evidence so far to support social media claims that gold or silver offerings had been stolen. However, a detailed forensic audit of the temple's financial management is continuing.

The Trust has announced the formation of a three-member committee to appoint an external Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to strengthen oversight and improve the management of temple donations.