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A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged theft and mismanagement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple has uncovered significant irregularities at multiple levels. Reports indicate that the investigation revealed negligence in handling cash donations, verifying staff, monitoring CCTV, and the process of transporting offerings from the temple premises to the trust office and then to the bank.

SBI's Role in Managing Donations

According to sources, the SIT, established by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13, discovered that the State Bank of India (SBI) was responsible for managing the banking operations of the Ram Temple Trust. This included sorting, bundling, and counting the cash received as donations. For this task, SBI employed personnel through a private security agency based in Varanasi.

Concerns Over Staff Recruitment

However, allegations have surfaced that the agency hired local residents from Ayodhya for cash counting tasks. Reports suggest that these employees were recruited based on recommendations from individuals associated with the Ram Temple Trust. The SIT is also investigating the alleged irregularities in the recruitment process and appointments. Notably, Anukool Mishra, an employee of the Ram Temple Trust, reportedly appointed his brother-in-law, Lavkush Mishra, for cash counting duties.

Lack of Proper Monitoring

The investigation team found that there was inadequate verification of employees entering and exiting the premises, with no effective system in place to confirm what items they were bringing in or taking out. Furthermore, employees responsible for counting donations were seen in casual attire in the trust's room, despite a uniform being provided and a dress code established, which was reportedly not adhered to.

CCTV Monitoring Under Scrutiny

During the investigation, the monitoring of CCTV footage was also scrutinized. Sources claim that employees could stand in front of cameras before committing theft, highlighting flaws in surveillance and monitoring. The SIT also examined records related to gold and silver jewelry, precious stones, and other valuable items donated by devotees. Temple sources assert that investigators found discrepancies in the documentation and accounting of these offerings.

Investigating Past Irregularities

Sources indicated that some officials of the trust could not provide satisfactory answers regarding the inventory, storage, and accounting of valuable items received as donations. The investigation also looked into allegations of irregularities during the Mahakumbh in January-February 2025, a period that saw a significant increase in the number of visitors to the temple, with reports suggesting that around 1 million devotees visited daily at times. Investigators are particularly focused on this surge in visitors and donations.

Ongoing Investigation Updates

According to sources, the SIT is providing daily updates on the investigation's findings to the Chief Minister's office, and records related to the investigation are being maintained digitally. Once the investigation concludes, the final report will be submitted to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.