The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in donation counting at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has uncovered major lapses, including cash theft and suspicious activity by staff members, in its preliminary findings submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government on June 23.

Irregularities and Suspicious Activity

According to the SIT report, CCTV footage reviewed during the probe shows staff members removing cash from bundles of currency notes and hiding loose notes. The investigation found around 70 suspicious incidents recorded between April 27 and May 6, indicating a repeated and systematic practice of irregularities over several days.

The SIT identified serious deficiencies in the recording and verification of valuable offerings, inadequate control over employees' personal belongings, and failure to follow prescribed security protocols in the counting room. Cash from multiple donation boxes was counted together, and no searches were conducted at entry or exit points.

Action Against Accused Employees

The report named six employees whose prima facie involvement was 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. Nearly Rs 78.94 lakh was recovered from some employees before the investigation commenced, and around Rs 2.25 lakh was recovered from the counting room on June 4.

  • Nearly Rs 78.94 lakh recovered from employees
  • Around Rs 2.25 lakh recovered from counting room
  • 70 suspicious incidents recorded between April 27 and May 6

The SIT also recommended a detailed financial investigation into the bank accounts of the employees concerned, which revealed cash deposits and financial transactions disproportionate to their declared income. The Uttar Pradesh government forwarded a copy of the preliminary SIT report to the trust on June 25, and the trust accepted the resignations of its general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra amid the controversy.