Ram Temple Donation Theft Exposed

A preliminary report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has revealed serious security lapses and violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs) that allegedly enabled the embezzlement of cash offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The report, presented to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday, identifies Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu as the key figure in the alleged fraud.

According to the SIT, Tinnu had possession of keys to several donation boxes inside the temple complex without formal authorization from the trust. He allegedly facilitated the appointment of his nephew, Manish Yadav, in the cash counting process, creating an opportunity to siphon off money from donations. The report states that CCTV footage available for 45 days captured the accused stealing bundles of currency notes on nearly 70 occasions.

However, investigators noted that the actual extent of the theft and the amount embezzled may never be known due to the limited availability of CCTV footage. The footage available covered the period beginning April 27, 2026, and there is no record of any earlier incidents. The SIT has also fixed responsibility on counting room in-charge Subhash Srivastava, saying the money was allegedly siphoned off in his presence.

The report highlights failures in enforcing entry protocols, frisking of staff, prescribed dress codes, restrictions on carrying personal belongings, denomination-wise recording of cash, and effective supervision of the counting process. Despite the presence of representatives of the trust and the bank during the counting exercise, security procedures were not effectively enforced. The SIT has criticized the decision to preserve CCTV footage for only 45 days, recommending a longer retention period of at least 180 days for such sensitive activities.

The alleged embezzlement has significant implications for the trust and the temple's reputation. The SIT's findings are expected to lead to further investigations and potential reforms in the temple's security and donation handling procedures. The report's revelations have sparked concerns about the transparency and accountability of the trust, and the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The SIT's investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming days. The trust has accepted the resignations of two of its members, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, amid the donation theft probe. The case has been registered against Subhash Srivastava and other accused, and the SIT is working to determine the full extent of the alleged embezzlement.