Inside Ayodhya Ram Temple donation scam: CCTV covered, cash hidden in toilet as SIT uncovers 'multi-crore theft'

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the report describes a series of methods allegedly used by members of the cash-counting team to divert temple offerings while avoiding detection.

The developments come on the same day that Ram Temple Trust officials Champat Rai and Anil Mishra resigned on moral grounds. 

Meanwhile, eight arrested suspects remain under interrogation as investigators continue examining the alleged theft.

Suspicion arose during routine cash deposits

According to sources, temple authorities first suspected irregularities while reviewing the amounts deposited into bank accounts after cash was collected from the temple's donation boxes.

Officials reportedly noticed repeated shortages in bundles containing Rs 500 notes.

While each donation box typically yielded between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 7 lakh, discrepancies began appearing over several weeks, prompting a closer examination of the counting process.

As suspicion grew, hidden cameras were reportedly installed inside the cash-counting room.

According to sources, footage captured over a week allegedly showed one member of the counting team positioning himself in front of the CCTV camera while another allegedly removed cash from bundled notes and concealed it inside his clothing.

Probe points to multiple alleged methods

The interim SIT report, according to sources, suggests that the accused used more than one method to divert money from temple offerings.

Investigators allege that extra currency notes were inserted into cash bundles during the counting process.

Officials reportedly verified only the number of bundles rather than the number of notes inside each bundle before generating deposit vouchers.

Sources said the additional notes were allegedly removed later while transporting the cash to the bank.

As a result, the total amount matched the recorded vouchers, even though money had allegedly been siphoned off.

Cash allegedly hidden inside temple toilets

According to sources, the stolen cash was initially concealed inside bathrooms within the temple complex before being smuggled out when opportunities arose.

Investigators further allege that the money was later divided among those involved at another location.

Citing the interim SIT report, sources claimed that the alleged operation may have been functioning since the Ram Temple opened to devotees in 2024.

The report allegedly identified around 70 instances of theft recorded on CCTV footage between April 27 and June 5 this year.

Officials have not yet released an official estimate of the total amount allegedly stolen.

However, reports suggest the missing sum could range between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore.

Investigators have so far recovered around Rs 70 lakh in cash, with officials indicating that the recovery figure may increase as the investigation progresses.

Eight accused named in interim report

The interim SIT report names eight accused, including six members of the temple's cash-counting staff.

Those named are Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ramshankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu.

Earlier, authorities recovered Rs 10 lakh from the residence of one of the accused, Mishra.

According to sources, investigators also found that several members of the counting team had secured their positions through personal recommendations.

Sources claimed that Tinnu Yadav, who served as an administrator and driver for Champat Rai, allegedly facilitated the appointment of his cousin Manish Yadav to the cash-counting team.

Similarly, investigators allege that Anukalp Mishra arranged for his brother-in-law, Lavkush Mishra, to join the same unit.

Security lapses under probe

The SIT's interim findings, according to sources, have highlighted several alleged lapses in security procedures.

Investigators claim that the counting staff were not searched when leaving the temple premises after completing their duties, creating an opportunity for cash to be removed unnoticed.

Sources also alleged that Avinash Shukla deposited part of the allegedly stolen money into his personal bank account.

The investigation further claims that jewellery donated by devotees, including earrings, nose rings, bangles intended for the Ram Lalla idol and anklets, was also allegedly stolen.

Two identified as key conspirators

According to sources citing the interim report, investigators believe Tinnu Yadav and Subhash Srivastava played central roles in the alleged conspiracy.

While CCTV footage reportedly captured all eight accused during different incidents, investigators allege that Yadav and Srivastava were instrumental in planning and executing the operation.

Sources further claimed that Srivastava recruited other participants and managed important responsibilities, including assigning cash-counting duties.

'Systemic weaknesses' flagged in report

The SIT has also reportedly identified discrepancies between the number of donation boxes and internal audit records maintained by the temple trust over the past three years.

According to sources, the interim report points to inadequate CCTV coverage, deficiencies in maintaining cash-counting records and shortcomings in the classification of temple offerings.

The report also reportedly raises questions over supervisory accountability and states that although vulnerabilities had previously been identified, effective corrective measures were not implemented.

Investigators further noted that security protocols existed largely on paper and that compliance mechanisms were allegedly reduced to procedural formalities.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced the final findings of the SIT or filed the complete charges arising from the case.