Investigation Uncovers Misappropriation at Ayodhya Ram Temple

Investigation Findings

New Delhi, Sep 22: A special investigation team (SIT) looking into the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has reported 105 cases of unauthorized removal or concealment of cash from the temple's counting area, as noted by the Supreme Court.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, reviewed the SIT's report, which indicated no irregularities in the management of "200 kg of silver bricks, 38.288 kg of silver bricks, a silver necklace, Charan Paduka, and a donation linked to the Ramcharitmanas."

The SIT's findings revealed that CCTV footage from the temple's Pilgrim Facility Centre (PFC) and other digital evidence showed 105 instances of unauthorized currency removal, with assistance from individuals involved in the counting process.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that the SIT plans to submit its initial chargesheet by September 25. The SIT, led by Uttar Pradesh Inspector General of Police Kiran S, has verified allegations circulating in media and social platforms regarding the valuable donations.

The report identified eight suspects and provided a detailed summary of unexplained deposits in their accounts, along with information on the movable and immovable assets where the misappropriated funds were allegedly invested.

The bench's order highlighted that the status report further details the estimated amounts misappropriated by each suspect, indicating that the suspected misappropriation occurred within the counting room during the currency handling process.

The investigation has been comprehensive, covering various aspects such as identifying suspected misappropriation acts, examining involved individuals, tracing suspected proceeds, conducting financial and property investigations, analyzing electronic evidence, and reconciling donation and banking records.

The SIT's report, dated September 16, confirmed that relevant records and materials related to valuable items were reviewed, revealing no discrepancies. It noted that 803 items were stored in a State Bank of India locker, which were physically inspected without any discrepancies found.

The report also stated that receipts generated by the TCS software for these 803 valuable items were verified, and all relevant records were found to be with the Trust. Additionally, another 86 valuable items lacking receipts were identified and verified separately.

The SIT examined records concerning approximately 944.411 kg of silver sent by the Trust to the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Ltd for melting. As of September 14, statements from 173 witnesses, including Trust officials, accounting staff, bank representatives, security personnel, and chartered accountants, have been recorded.

Previously, a notice was issued to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust regarding requests for a thorough and timely investigation into the alleged donation theft. Following allegations of irregularities in donation management at the Ram temple, several petitioners, including RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, approached the Supreme Court seeking a CBI investigation and a forensic audit of the temple trust's finances.