The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has announced significant modifications to the procedures for counting donations at the Ram Temple, in a bid to enhance security and transparency. These changes have arisen in response to allegations regarding the misappropriation of funds intended for the temple. According to reports, employees tasked with the donation counting will now be subjected to a rigorous two-tier security screening before entering the counting hall.

Additionally, the trust has mandated a new uniform policy for counting staff, requiring them to wear dark blue uniforms devoid of pockets. This measure aims to eliminate any potential for concealing cash or valuables during the counting process. The alterations to the protocol reflect a proactive approach by the trust to maintain integrity in its financial operations.

Overhauled Counting Process

In a further significant change, the donation counting will no longer take place at tables and chairs; staff will now perform their tasks while seated on the floor. This modification is part of the broader initiative to increase oversight of the counting process. Personal items such as mobile phones, cameras, bags, and any other belongings have been completely banned from the counting hall, promoting an environment focused solely on the task at hand.

Employees will also be required to remove their shoes and slippers prior to entering the counting area, further enhancing the level of security. These measures come amid an ongoing investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is examining allegations of donation misappropriation at the temple.

The SIT’s investigation includes plans for a comprehensive audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s financial records, specifically targeting the previous five years of donations, including those contributed in cash, gold, silver, jewellery, and other forms of valuables. The revisions to the counting protocol align with the investigation’s overarching aim to ensure financial transparency.

Investigations and Arrests Related to Allegations

The probe into the alleged embezzlement began on June 7, leading the Uttar Pradesh government to establish the Special Investigation Team. Based on the initial findings from the team, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged on June 25. To date, eight individuals connected to the temple’s donation counting processes have been arrested in relation to the case.

Recently, police in Ayodhya took custody of a key suspect, Avinash Shukla, who had been integral to the donation counting operations. His arrest led to significant cash recoveries amid the investigation. The scope of the SIT’s inquiry has broadened to include notable figures associated with the temple trust, such as former general secretary Champat Rai and former trustee Anil Mishra. Both have since resigned from their positions.

The trust’s governing body is scheduled to convene on July 6 to discuss the resignations of Rai and Mishra. This case has also ignited political discussions, with the Congress Party pressuring for a public account of donations received prior to the establishment of the trust. They have also called for a Supreme Court-supervised investigation into the allegations of financial misconduct associated with the temple.

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