Cash hidden in clothes? SIT finds prima facie evidence in Ayodhya temple donation scam

Ayodhya: The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has gathered pace, with police preparing to seek the custodial remand of three more accused as fresh findings point to widespread cash theft during donation counting.

Ayodhya Police said they will move the court to obtain the custody of Karunesh Pandey, Anukalp Mishra and Lav Kush Mishra for further interrogation in connection with the case.

The development comes after a Special Investigation Team (SIT), in its preliminary report submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government, found prima facie evidence of theft and pilferage during the counting of donations at the temple.

The SIT examined CCTV footage, statements from trust officials, bank representatives, security personnel and counting staff, as well as bank records, seizure documents, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the trust's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

According to the report, CCTV footage recorded between 27 April and 5 June repeatedly showed some counting staff concealing bundles of currency notes and loose cash inside their clothes, pockets, shoes and other hidden places. The footage also allegedly captured other employees assisting or shielding those involved.

Investigators said the available footage documented around 70 instances of suspected theft or pilferage during the review period. The report added that similar incidents may have occurred before 27 April, based on employee statements and discrepancies between counted cash and bank deposits, although the absence of older CCTV footage prevented investigators from determining the full extent of the alleged irregularities.

The SIT also found that several security protocols outlined in the trust's SOPs—including frisking, biometric attendance, restrictions on personal belongings and effective CCTV monitoring—were not properly enforced.

Based on CCTV evidence, financial records and witness statements, the report identified six individuals as being prima facie involved in the alleged scam. It stated that Avinash Shukla and Manish Kumar Yadav were repeatedly seen removing or concealing cash, while Karunesh Pandey, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra and Ramashankar Mishra were allegedly seen assisting or participating in similar acts.

Meanwhile, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj announced that the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra had been accepted following a meeting of the trust. The trust has not publicly linked the resignations to the ongoing investigation.