Ayodhya Ram Temple Implements New Cash Counting Rules After Theft
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, has introduced new procedures for counting donations after a theft of offerings was discovered. The incident, which involved the alleged embezzlement of several lakh rupees, has led to stricter monitoring and transparency measures in the counting room.
According to temple officials, the theft primarily occurred during the counting process. In response, authorities have enforced a set of rules to prevent further incidents. Counting now takes place on a plywood-covered floor instead of tables and chairs, ensuring that all cash is visible and cannot be concealed easily.
Additional measures include a ban on conversation among staff during counting, monitoring of employees who take frequent breaks, and restrictions on prolonged stays in the canteen. The counting room is under constant CCTV surveillance, and staff in the monitoring room are required to remain at their seats while on duty.
The new rules aim to ensure complete transparency and restore public trust in the donation process. The temple trust has stated that these steps are temporary until a more permanent solution is implemented.
The case came to light after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the alleged embezzlement. The SIT submitted a preliminary report on June 23, leading to an FIR on June 25. Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the theft.
Following the arrests, Champat Rai and former trustee Anil Mishra resigned, citing moral responsibility for the misappropriation of funds. The incident has sparked political debate in the state, with opposition parties criticizing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, the state government maintains that a transparent investigation is underway.
BJP MP Dinesh Sharma stated that the government acted swiftly by ordering an SIT probe and urged the public to have faith in the process. State Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad added that unlike previous administrations, the current government is not covering up corruption.
The SIT has been granted a 15-day extension to widen the scope of its investigation and conduct a comprehensive inquiry into all aspects of the case.
