SIT report on Ram Temple donations flags 70 theft incidents, CCTV gaps, security lapses
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has submitted a nine-page preliminary report highlighting multiple systemic failures. The report, reviewed by this publication, details 70 instances of alleged theft, weak CCTV surveillance, and violations of counting protocols.
The SIT found that several personnel involved in counting donations failed to follow prescribed security protocols. Supervisory failures created conditions conducive to alleged criminal acts, the report states. It also raised concerns over individuals controlling keys to donation boxes without proper written authorisation, including accused Ramshankar Yadav, known to be close to Champat Rai, who resigned as general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra. Subhash Srivastava, the counting in-charge arrested in the case, was held responsible for allowing this informal arrangement.
On CCTV gaps, the report identified major weaknesses in surveillance and record retention. Cameras were installed in the counting room, but Trust personnel allegedly failed to monitor live footage effectively. Recordings were preserved for only 45 days—from April 27 to June 6—despite earlier recommendations to retain footage for 180 days. During this period, investigators identified 70 instances of alleged theft or embezzlement. The SIT said pilferage may have begun before April 27, but the absence of earlier footage made it impossible to establish prior theft. Available footage repeatedly showed employees concealing currency notes in their clothes, pockets, shoes, or other hidden locations, sometimes with assistance from others.
Security failures were also cited: staff were not adequately frisked, dress code was not enforced, personal belongings were not barred, donations from each hundi were not counted separately, and denomination-wise records were not properly maintained.
The SIT pointed to poor oversight despite the presence of Trust and bank representatives during counting. It raised concerns over changes to frisking norms. A September 2024 arrangement required all personnel entering or exiting the counting room to be searched. However, a Standard Operating Procedure issued on February 6, 2025, diluted this requirement, allowing only random checks. The SIT said the circumstances of this change warranted closer examination, especially since even these limited checks were allegedly not carried out. Former trustee Anil Mishra, who represented the Trust in framing both arrangements, was expected to ensure enforcement, but the report found little evidence of sustained oversight.
Finally, the SIT found widespread violations of prescribed procedures for handling cash and valuables across all three modes of offerings (hundis, counters, sanctum), including poor documentation, mixing of offerings, and weak chain-of-custody controls.
