Ayodhya: The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has uncovered fresh details pointing to the scale of the suspected fraud. According to sources, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) now believes that Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh was allegedly siphoned off every day from donations made by devotees before the scam came to light.
The estimate is based on statements made by bank officials during questioning, who told investigators that daily deposits into the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s bank accounts increased significantly after the alleged theft was exposed.
Daily Donations Rose Sharply After Scam Was Exposed
According to officials questioned by the SIT, the temple’s bank accounts received Rs 16 lakh to Rs 18 lakh in daily donations before the alleged embezzlement was detected.
However, after the case came to light, daily deposits reportedly jumped to Rs 24 lakh to Rs 26 lakh.
Based on this difference, investigators estimate that between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 8 lakh was allegedly being diverted every day, suggesting that a substantial amount may have been stolen over an extended period.
SBI Staff Under Investigation
The investigation has also brought the role of State Bank of India (SBI) personnel under scrutiny.
SBI supervises the counting of cash donations received at the Ram Mandir and has outsourced the counting process to a private agency.
Cash offerings deposited in four donation boxes are counted by a team of 14 members, comprising 11 bank personnel and three representatives from the temple trust.
Investigators are now examining whether lapses in the counting process enabled the alleged theft.
ED Likely To Probe Money Trail
Ayodhya Police are also preparing to approach the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate the money trail and examine financial transactions linked to the alleged scam.
The focus will be on tracing where the missing funds were routed and identifying any proceeds generated through the alleged embezzlement.
Retired Bank Employee Was Supervising Cash Counting
Among those arrested is Subhash Srivastava, a retired bank employee who was responsible for supervising the donation counting process.
According to investigators, his duties included removing cash from the temple’s donation boxes, transporting it to the counting room and eventually handing it over to SBI.
Sources also revealed that there was no systematic inventory maintained for jewellery donations, making such valuables particularly vulnerable to theft.
Whistleblower Alerted Authorities in February
Investigators believe the alleged theft first came to light in February, when a member of the counting team informed Subhash Srivastava that money was allegedly being stolen during the counting process.
According to sources, Srivastava allegedly responded:
“God is watching, it’s not as if it’s going from your or my house.”
The remark has now become a key part of the investigation.
Eight Accused Arrested So Far
The SIT has arrested eight people in connection with the alleged scam.
Those arrested include:
- Subhash Srivastava
- Avinash Shukla
- Anukalp Mishra
- Tinnu Yadav
- Lav Kush Mishra
- Manish Kumar Yadav
- Karunesh Pandey
- Ramashankar Mishra
Investigators are continuing to question other individuals connected to the counting process.
Bank Officials Face Tough Questions
On Friday, the SIT questioned bank officials as well as personnel involved in counting temple donations.
Officials were asked why the agreement governing donation handling between the temple trust and SBI was allegedly not followed in full and why modifications were reportedly made to the approved procedures.
Investigators also questioned why any suspected irregularities were not immediately reported to senior authorities.
Another major concern raised during the inquiry was the decision to allow a private security agency, hired primarily for security duties, to participate in sensitive cash-counting operations.
The SIT is expected to include findings on the role of bank officials in its final report, following which disciplinary or legal action may be initiated if required.
Accused Claims Money Was Divided at Nearby Park
One of the arrested accused, Avinash Shukla, has reportedly told investigators that the stolen money was distributed among the accused at a park near the temple.
On Friday, police took Shukla to the location near Bhikapur along the 14 Koshi Parikrama route as part of the investigation.
Investigators are attempting to verify his claims and reconstruct the alleged distribution of the stolen funds.
Trust Officials Questioned Again
The SIT on Friday also questioned Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai along with trustees Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao for the second time.
All three have resigned from their positions in the trust following the emergence of the allegations.
During the questioning, investigators sought detailed information regarding their personal assets, sources of income and property holdings.
The officials have been asked to submit documents related to both movable and immovable assets.
Construction, Land Deals Also Under Investigation
The SIT has expanded its investigation beyond the alleged donation theft.
Investigators are also examining allegations related to:
- Alleged commission during Ram Mandir construction
- Land purchase transactions
- Claims of undue benefits being extended to certain individuals
According to sources, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao were specifically questioned regarding these allegations.
The SIT is also examining whether the assets of the two trustees have increased disproportionately over recent years.
Investigators have sought detailed information from Anil Mishra regarding his newly constructed residence, income sources and financial resources.
Audit Reports May Be Re-Examined
As part of its probe, the SIT has summoned the temple trust’s annual audit reports, financial statements and other key documents.
Sources said investigators are also considering ordering a fresh audit of the trust’s financial records to verify previous findings and identify any discrepancies.
The expanded investigation is expected to determine whether the alleged donation theft was an isolated financial crime or part of a larger pattern involving financial irregularities linked to the temple trust.