The investigation into the alleged Ram Temple donation scam in Ayodhya has intensified, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) estimating that Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh may have been siphoned off every day from donations made by devotees. The findings are based on statements recorded from bank officials and cash-handling staff associated with the temple's donation management system.
According to officials familiar with the probe, daily donations deposited into the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accounts averaged Rs 16-18 lakh before the alleged fraud was detected. After the case surfaced and stricter monitoring measures were introduced, the daily collection reportedly increased to Rs 24-26 lakh, prompting investigators to suspect that a significant portion of donations had been misappropriated over an extended period.
SBI Staff and Cash Counting Process Under Investigation
The SIT is also examining the role of bank personnel involved in the temple's donation counting process. The cash collection is managed under the supervision of State Bank of India (SBI), which had outsourced the counting work to a private agency.
Donations are collected through four donation boxes and counted by a 14-member team comprising 11 bank staff and three representatives of the temple trust. Investigators are now reviewing whether standard operating procedures were followed during the handling and accounting of cash.
Retired bank employee Subhash Srivastava, one of the accused, reportedly supervised the entire counting operation, including transporting cash from donation boxes to the counting room before handing it over to the bank.
Investigators are also looking into allegations that jewellery donated by devotees was not systematically recorded, creating opportunities for theft.
Theft Allegedly Reported Months Before Action
Sources involved in the investigation said concerns over missing cash were first raised in February, when a member of the counting team reportedly informed the in-charge that money was disappearing during the counting process.
According to investigators, the complaint was allegedly dismissed with the remark that "God is watching," instead of being formally reported or investigated. Authorities believe the failure to act may have allowed the alleged embezzlement to continue.
So far, the SIT has arrested eight accused, including Subhash Srivastava, Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Tinnu Yadav, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, and Ramashankar Mishra.
Bank Officials Questioned Over Procedural Lapses
As part of the ongoing investigation, the SIT questioned several bank officials regarding possible violations of the agreement between the temple trust and the bank.
Investigators sought explanations on:
- Why established cash-handling procedures were allegedly altered.
- Why suspected irregularities were not escalated to senior officials.
- Why a private security agency was reportedly assigned sensitive responsibilities such as cash counting.
Officials indicated that the final SIT report may recommend action against bank personnel if negligence or procedural violations are established.
Accused Reveal Alleged Distribution of Stolen Money
During interrogation, one of the arrested accused, Avinash Shukla, allegedly informed investigators that the stolen money was divided among the accused at a park near the temple. The SIT later visited the location near Bhikapur on the 14 Koshi Parikrama route as part of evidence collection.
Trust Officials Face Fresh Scrutiny
The SIT has also questioned Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, along with trustees Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao, for the second time during the investigation.
Investigators have sought detailed information regarding their movable and immovable assets, income sources, and financial records. They have also requested supporting documentation related to property holdings.
The investigation is further examining allegations linked to commission payments during temple construction, land acquisition deals, and claims that certain individuals received undue financial benefits.
Authorities are also reviewing the reported increase in assets of some trust officials in recent years. In addition, the SIT has sought annual audit reports, financial statements, and other key documents of the trust. Officials are reportedly considering a fresh audit of previous financial records to verify the accuracy of earlier audits.
Investigation Continues
The SIT continues to collect documentary evidence, question witnesses, and examine financial records to determine the full extent of the alleged misappropriation. Investigators are also expected to seek assistance from financial enforcement agencies to trace the money trail and identify any additional individuals who may have been involved.