A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has identified serious supervisory and administrative lapses by former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust trustee Anil Mishra. The SIT's preliminary report, based on an investigation into the temple's donation-handling practices, has held Mishra responsible for failing to ensure adequate security safeguards despite repeated warning signs.

SIT Findings: Security Breaches and Lapses

The SIT's investigation revealed that Mishra, who oversaw financial matters and cash management, failed to issue effective written instructions to strengthen security measures, including frisking of staff and deployment of adequate security personnel. CCTV footage recorded between April 27 and May 6 captured around 70 instances of employees concealing cash during the counting of offerings, suggesting a systematic practice of theft.

The SIT report flagged multiple violations of security procedures in the donation-counting process, including inadequate frisking of employees, ineffective restriction of personal belongings, and counting of cash from different donation boxes together. Investigators found that several safeguards prescribed under the standard operating procedure (SOP) were either ignored or implemented only on paper.

Financial Irregularities and Arrests

The SIT probe also uncovered indications of financial transactions and cash deposits disproportionate to the declared incomes of some of the accused. Nearly Rs 78.94 lakh has already been recovered from some of the accused, while an additional Rs 2.25 lakh was recovered from the counting room during the investigation. Eight people, mostly involved in handling and counting donations, have been arrested in the case.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra amid the controversy. The trust has announced a series of reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in the temple's administration, including the appointment of a new interim general secretary and a three-member search committee to identify a chief executive officer for the temple administration.

Trust Reforms and Future Actions

The trust has assured devotees that those found guilty will face strict action. Trust treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri described the donation theft as a matter of "deep pain and embarrassment" and said the controversy had hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees. The trust's reforms aim to prevent any recurrence of such incidents and restore public trust in the temple's management.

  • Nearly Rs 78.94 lakh recovered from accused
  • Additional Rs 2.25 lakh recovered from counting room
  • Eight people arrested in the case