The Special Investigation Team (SIT) examining the alleged theft and misappropriation of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple has reportedly identified serious lapses in several operational areas. The investigation, initiated by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13, focuses on the processes involved in managing the temple’s financial contributions.

According to sources, the State Bank of India (SBI) oversees the banking processes for the Ram Temple Trust, which includes the sorting, counting, and stacking of cash donations. These tasks were assigned to individuals hired through a private security agency located in Varanasi, which allegedly sourced its workers from Ayodhya. Reports suggest that these individuals were selected based on recommendations linked to the temple trust, raising concerns about the integrity of the hiring process.

The SIT has scrutinised the recruitment practices, specifically noting that Anukul Mishra, an employee of the Ram Temple Trust, appointed his brother-in-law, Lavkush Mishra, for the counting responsibilities. This situation has raised questions about nepotism within personnel management at the temple.

Deficiencies in Security and Surveillance Identified

The investigation highlighted alarming shortcomings in the monitoring of employees entering and exiting the temple premises. Sources reveal that there was no effective verification system in place to track the items workers were bringing into or taking out of the trust’s facilities. In a further breach of protocol, it was found that staff responsible for cash-counting were reportedly not adhering to a prescribed dress code, appearing in casual clothing despite receiving uniforms.

Moreover, CCTV surveillance emerged as a focal point of concern during the investigation. Witnesses indicated that employees could manipulate their positions in front of cameras before allegedly facilitating thefts. This revelation raises significant doubts about the efficacy of the monitoring systems intended to safeguard the temple’s donations.

The SIT also examined documentation related to valuable offerings such as gold, silver, and precious stones donated by devotees. Sources close to the investigation claimed that officials from the trust provided insufficient or unsatisfactory explanations regarding the inventory, storage, and accounting of these significant items, indicating a lack of transparency.

Focus on Increased Donations During Maha Kumbh

The investigation has extended its focus to the period of the Maha Kumbh event, which took place from January to February 2025. This event witnessed a substantial increase in the number of visitors, with estimates suggesting that nearly 1 million devotees attended daily at peak times. The sharp rise in donations during this time has become a significant area of interest for the SIT as they probe for irregularities amidst heightened financial activity.

Daily updates from the SIT are reportedly being forwarded to the Chief Minister’s Office, ensuring ongoing oversight of the investigation. The records of the probe have been maintained in a digital format, culminating in a comprehensive final report that will be presented to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath upon the investigation’s completion.

The scope of the examination is not limited to donation processes. The SIT is also investigating potential irregularities concerning land transactions associated with the temple trust and the procurement of construction materials, reflecting a commitment to thoroughness in addressing all aspects of the temple’s operations.

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