Ram Temple Trust Embezzlement: SIT Report Cites 70 Theft Instances, Violations of Security Protocols

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe allegations of embezzlement at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has found prima facie evidence of theft and pilferage during the counting of donations, according to a partial report accessed by The Hindu.

The report, submitted on June 23, states that a review of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from April 27 to June 5 captured approximately 70 instances where counting staff were seen hiding bundles of notes and cash in their clothing, pockets, shoes, and other areas. In some cases, other employees appeared to assist or shield such actions.

The SIT noted that based on witness testimonies and discrepancies between counted cash and bank deposits, similar incidents may have occurred before April 27. However, the absence of earlier CCTV footage limited the scope of assessment. The investigation included testimonies from trust officials, bank personnel, security staff, and counting employees, as well as bank records, seizure documents, and the trust’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The report found that mandated security measures—such as frisking, biometric attendance, restrictions on personal items, continuous CCTV surveillance, and other protective protocols—were not properly enforced, creating an environment conducive to theft. It also identified procedural lapses in the handling of valuable donations, including irregularities in documentation, weighing, and sealing processes.

Based on CCTV footage, recovery records, financial documents, and witness statements, the SIT named six individuals as prima facie involved: Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, and Ramashankar Mishra. Shukla and Yadav were repeatedly observed removing or concealing cash, while the others were seen assisting or engaging in similar acts.

The SIT is expected to conduct a re-audit of the trust’s accounts for the past five years, covering construction expenditure and donations of jewellery, gold, and silver. Eight accused have been arrested and remanded in 14-day judicial custody since June 29. The case is next scheduled for hearing on July 13. A court in Ayodhya has approved one-day police custody for three of the accused.

Retired Uttar Pradesh police official Vibhuti Narain Rai, a former director general-rank officer, commented that the limited CCTV footage may represent only a fraction of the alleged corruption. “If CCTV records between April 27 and June 5 are available, the evidence is just the tip of the iceberg. During the Maha Kumbh, footfall and donations were much higher, and there may have been an organised racket,” he said.