SIT Preliminary Report Flags Seventy Distinct Thefts inside Ayodhya Ram Temple

Ayodhya  : A preliminary report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple has widened the scope of investigation, uncovering systematic security failures. Surveillance analysis revealed that at least 70 distinct instances of theft occurred inside the cash-counting room within a 45-day window, placing former trustee Anil Mishra under intense scrutiny for major supervisory lapses.  

The multi-member SIT, led by senior administrative and police officials, compiled the nine-page initial report after meticulously reviewing available CCTV footage from April 27 to June 5. 

The findings exposed a brazen pattern where six arrested counting personnel routinely pocketed currency bundles and loose notes, concealing them inside their clothing and footwear. Investigators highlighted that the pilferage could be much higher, but the automated 45-day overwriting cycle of the surveillance system deleted older records.

 The report directly holds Dr. Anil Mishra responsible for administrative negligence. As the official who finalized the standard operating procedures (SOPs) with the State Bank of India, Mishra allegedly failed to enforce mandatory protocols. The SIT noted that critical safety measures, including daily staff frisking, designated uniforms without pockets, and the prohibition of personal items in the counting zone, were completely ignored.

 Furthermore, the probe flagged severe irregularities in the custody of the donation box keys, which were held without formal written authorization. The SIT has already arrested eight individuals, recovering nearly ₹79 lakh in stolen cash alongside unaccounted bank deposits. Following the administrative fallout, the temple trust accepted the resignations of senior functionaries and announced an institutional overhaul, including creating a Chief Executive Officer post to handle future financial transparency.