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CCTV Shows Ram Mandir Staff Hiding Cash Inside Shoes, Clothes, Reveals SIT Probe
Ayodhya: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in the handling of donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has uncovered several serious findings in its preliminary report. Investigators have identified around 70 suspected instances of cash concealment by staff members during the counting of donations over a 40-day period. The report also points to significant shortcomings in security procedures and monitoring inside the counting room.
According to the SIT's preliminary findings, CCTV footage recorded between April 27 and June 5, 2026, allegedly shows staff repeatedly hiding bundles of currency notes and loose cash inside their clothes, pockets, shoes, and other personal belongings while counting offerings collected from devotees.
The report documents approximately 70 suspicious incidents, raising concerns over the integrity of the donation handling process.
6 Employees Under Investigation
The SIT has identified the alleged involvement of six employees in the suspected theft of temple donations. They are:
- Avinash Shukla
- Anukool Mishra
- Lav Kush Mishra
- Manish Kumar Yadav
- Karunesh Pandey
- Ram Shankar Mishra
The investigation into their roles is ongoing.
Security Protocols Were Allegedly Ignored
The preliminary report states that mandatory security measures inside the donation counting room were not properly enforced.
Investigators found that staff members were not frisked while entering or leaving the counting area, and there was no effective control over personal belongings, creating opportunities for cash to be concealed.
Investigators found that staff members were not frisked while entering or leaving the counting area, and there was no effective control over personal belongings, creating opportunities for cash to be concealed.
The report also notes that cash from multiple donation boxes (hundis) was counted together instead of being processed separately. Additionally, investigators found deficiencies in the documentation, recording, and verification of valuable items donated by devotees.
Financial Transactions Under Scanner
The SIT has also flagged financial irregularities involving some of the employees. According to the report, investigators discovered cash deposits and banking transactions that appear disproportionate to the employees' declared sources of income.
The report recommends a detailed financial investigation to determine whether the transactions are linked to the alleged misappropriation of temple donations.
Money Recovery Before SIT Formed
The report also said that before the SIT was constituted, the trust had allegedly recovered approximately Rs.2.79 crore, besides foreign currency, jewellery and other valuables, from the donation counting personnels. Additionally, Rs.2.25 lakh was allegedly recovered from a washroom adjacent to the counting room on June 4.
No Evidence of Disappearance of Donated Valuables
Addressing social media claims about missing silver bricks and other valuable offerings from the temple, the SIT said that it found no prima facie evidence to support such allegations." ALSO READ: Ram Mandir Introduces Pocketless Uniforms for Donation Counting Staff Amid SIT Investigation
Trust Accepts Champat Rai, Anil Mishra's Resignation
Meanwhile, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which met on Monday, accepted the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra. It also announced some administrative measures.
According to a press release issued after the meeting, the Trust also decided to remove Gopal Nagarkote from the list of special invitee members.
