SBI raised concerns over Ram Mandir cash-counting irregularities three months before alleged donation theft
The investigation into the Ram Mandir donation case has taken a fresh turn after NDTV report went claiming the State Bank of India had earlier raised concerns about the donation-counting process nearly three months before the alleged embezzlement surfaced. According to the reports, the SBI had earlier recommended replacing cash-counting staff over suspected irregularities. However, sources cited in the report alleged that some temple trust officials intervened, preventing the removal of the outsourced personnel.
Investigators are also examining footage from concealed cameras installed as part of the probe. According to police claims cited in the report, the recordings allegedly show some employees blocking the view of CCTV cameras while another individual is seen removing currency notes from cash bundles and concealing them in clothing.
Authorities believe the footage played a key role in identifying suspects and advancing the investigation.
As part of the ongoing inquiry, police have recorded the statement of Champat Rai, former general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Reports indicate that notices may also be issued to former trustee Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao.
The report stated that SBI, which maintains the temple trust’s primary account, had outsourced the cash-counting operation to an external agency.
Sources claimed that after receiving indications of possible discrepancies in the counting process, the bank recommended replacing the outsourced staff. The agency reportedly initiated steps to remove some employees, but the process was allegedly halted following intervention by trust-linked officials.
The report further alleged that concerns raised by the bank did not result in immediate action, allowing the employees to continue handling donation collections.
Investigators are also examining the role of two SBI employees, Ratnesh and Gagandeep, who reportedly supervised cash-counting activities and were present in the counting rooms.
According to sources quoted in the report, investigators are assessing whether any procedural lapses occurred and whether further action may be warranted.
The recruitment process for donation-counting staff has also come under scrutiny. Investigators reportedly found that some appointments were allegedly made through recommendations and without police verification.
Among the eight people arrested in the case, six were reportedly recruited through an outsourcing agency. Sources alleged that some of them were relatives or associates of individuals connected to the temple administration.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has broadened its inquiry to determine whether supervisory failures or possible collusion enabled the alleged diversion of donation funds before they were deposited into the temple trust’s account.
An Ayodhya Police team also visited SBI’s Naya Ghat branch and recorded the statement of the branch manager. Investigators are examining whether prescribed procedures were followed while receiving and processing temple donations.
The case gained momentum after the SIT submitted its preliminary findings, following which an FIR was registered against eight accused. All eight have been arrested on charges including theft, criminal breach of trust, criminal conspiracy and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Police have further alleged that some accused deleted WhatsApp chats and other data from their mobile phones before their arrest. The seized devices are expected to undergo forensic examination as investigators seek to establish communication links and trace the alleged conspiracy.