Investigation into Ram Temple Donations Reveals CCTV Tampering Evidence

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the alleged theft of cash and jewellery from donation boxes at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has identified potential evidence of tampering with CCTV footage. This development marks a significant escalation in the inquiry. The breakthrough occurred during the third day of comprehensive investigations conducted within the temple complex, where officials meticulously reviewed surveillance systems and associated security protocols.

Sources indicate that the signs of CCTV tampering have led the SIT to concentrate its efforts on security personnel responsible for monitoring and maintaining the camera systems. Among those questioned was Ramashankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, who underwent several hours of interrogation.

Additionally, investigators are assessing the roles of various employees engaged in the monitoring of CCTV, overseeing gate-checking operations, and the broader security infrastructure surrounding the temple. Documentation reviewed by the SIT revealed that approximately ₹10 crore (around £1 million) had been allocated for security at the temple complex over the past eleven months. This expenditure has raised serious questions regarding the security system's effectiveness, particularly in light of the reported theft of cash and valuables from donation boxes.

The SIT is also scrutinising the processes involved in counting donations and the bank's role in these operations. Investigators are particularly interested in whether lapses occurred during the counting, especially as the number of trust employees involved appears limited compared to the bank staff.

Sources suggest that several individuals who directly reported to senior officials within the trust are now under investigation. The team is gathering information about personnel responsible for CCTV maintenance and the security measures in place, along with those overseeing visitor access and the issuance of passes within the temple grounds.

There is also an ongoing assessment to determine whether any collusion or security failures occurred at various levels of the temple's security apparatus. The SIT is collecting details about service records and other relevant information for employees tied to surveillance and security management.

Currently, the SIT has prepared a list of around 200 individuals for questioning. Of those, over 125 have already been interviewed, with many summoned multiple times as the investigation aims to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and explore the potential for a more extensive network.

A photograph associated with the counting of donation money at the Ram Mandir has emerged as part of the ongoing inquiry into the supposed theft and irregularities linked to temple donations. The image, reportedly extracted from a video, depicts temple staff counting cash offerings made by devotees after placing them on tables within the temple premises. This footage provides insight into the donation-counting processes and the management of funds related to temple offerings.

Officials have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and it is anticipated that more individuals could come under scrutiny as the probe develops.