SIT cites 70 instances of theft involving 6 accused over 40 days

Lucknow: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of devotees’ offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has raised serious questions over the supervisory role of senior Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust functionary Anil Mishra, holding that he failed to ensure effective implementation of security safeguards designed to protect the temple’s donation counting process.In its nine-page preliminary report submitted to additional chief secretary (home) Sanjay Prasad on June 23, the SIT found prima facie evidence of theft and criminal misappropriation of donation money, citing nearly 70 instances of alleged pilferage involving 6 accused captured on CCTV footage between April 27 and June 5, 2026.According to the report, Dr Mishra represented the Trust in formulating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with the State Bank of India for managing, counting and securing devotees’ offerings.The SIT observed that once the SOPs were issued, it became his responsibility to continuously review their implementation and ensure strict compliance with the prescribed security protocols.The investigators noted that despite being aware of critical gaps in the system, including the absence of mandatory frisking and lax enforcement of security measures, no effective corrective action was taken. The report states that there was a clear absence of sustained review, supervision and monitoring of compliance with the SOPs jointly issued by the Trust and SBI on Sept 20, 2024, and Feb 6, 2025.

The SIT also highlighted serious lapses by Subhash Srivastava, the Trust-appointed counting room in charge. According to investigators, all instances of alleged theft and embezzlement occurred inside the counting room, making the failure to conduct regular frisking one of the principal reasons the thefts allegedly continued unchecked.The report holds Srivastava primarily responsible for failing to enforce mandatory security protocols and maintain effective oversight.Another key finding relates to Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu, who allegedly retained custody of keys to donation boxes (hundis) across the temple premises without any formal written authorisation. The SIT termed the arrangement inappropriate and lacking accountability.It further noted that Tinnu allegedly recommended his relative, Manish Kumar Yadav, for deployment in the counting team, thereby providing him access to the highly sensitive counting operation.The report also questions the effectiveness of CCTV monitoring. While cameras had been installed inside the counting room, investigators observed that had Trust personnel actively monitored the live feed, many of the alleged thefts could have been detected and prevented in real time. The SIT further criticised the decision to preserve CCTV recordings for only 45 days despite internal audit reports recommending retention for 180 days.According to the SIT, CCTV footage available during the probe shows counting personnel allegedly concealing currency bundles and loose notes on multiple occasions. Recovered cash, valuables and bank deposits disproportionate to the known income of the accused strengthened the suspicion of systematic theft.Investigators said financial analysis and statements of the accused indicated such activities may have been taking place even before April 27, but the absence of older footage due to automatic overwriting made it impossible to assess the full extent of losses.The report also points to failures on the part of bank officials. It states that prescribed dress codes for counting personnel were not enforced and mandatory monthly rotation of responsible bank officials was not carried out. Bank representatives remained present during counting operations but failed to ensure compliance with the agreed safeguards.The SIT has prima facie named Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey and Ram Shankar Mishra as being involved in offences including theft, criminal misappropriation, criminal breach of trust and possession of stolen property.It also recommended registration of FIRs against Srivastava, supervisory personnel present in the counting room, and Tinnu for alleged criminal conspiracy, abetment, common intention and gross dereliction of duty that facilitated the commission of the offences.The SIT clarified that the report is only a preliminary finding. Investigations into institutional failures, administrative accountability and systemic reforms are still underway and will be addressed in its final report.No Evidence Supporting Claims of Missing BullionsThe SIT has found no evidence to support allegations that major silver donations made to the Ram Temple had gone missing. According to the preliminary report, approximately 38 kg of silver donated in July 2020 by members of the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association, along with 22.576 kg of silver bricks donated by the Sarrafa Association, were duly recorded in Trust records and later sent for melting through authorised procedures.The SIT also verified claims regarding eight silver bricks weighing 25 kg each (200 kg in total) donated by the Vishva Sindhi Seva Samaj in 2021. Inventory records signed by both Trust and Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India (SPMCIL) officials showed the silver bricks were in the Trust’s custody before being melted.Similarly, allegations relating to a silver necklace and silver padukas donated by Mumbai businessman Anil Vishwakarma were found to be unfounded. The SIT confirmed that both items remain safely preserved in the Trust’s custody. The report concluded that these widely circulated allegations against the Trust could not be substantiated.