Bank of Baroda under scanner as money trail widens in Ayodhya temple donation theft
Ayodhya police have widened their investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, bringing a local branch of Bank of Baroda under scrutiny as they trace the financial trail of the accused.
Investigators have clarified that the bank itself is not accused of any wrongdoing and is only assisting with the probe by providing account-related information.
The police recently issued a notice to the Bank of Baroda branch where the Trust maintains an account for a portion of its online donations.
Around 10 to 15 per cent of the temple's digital offerings are deposited in this account, while the bulk of the donations are handled through the State Bank of India, the Trust's primary banking partner.
Authorities said there are no cash transactions at the Bank of Baroda branch, and its employees are not involved in counting or handling temple donations.
The latest move comes days after eight people, including six employees associated with the Trust's donation counting operations, were arrested in connection with the alleged theft.
Investigators suspect money may have been siphoned off over an extended period and are now examining bank accounts, lockers, financial records and digital transactions linked to the accused.
According to officials, police have sought details of accounts linked to several accused and their relatives to establish the money trail.
Bank of Baroda has reportedly responded to the notice and shared the requested information with investigators. Authorities are also examining transactions across multiple banks as part of the expanding probe.
The Trust receives monthly donations ranging from ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore, with collections rising significantly during festivals and major religious events.
In its latest annual report, the Trust reported earnings of nearly ₹327 crore during FY2024-25, including ₹153 crore in donations and ₹173 crore in interest income.