Ayodhya Temple Donation Probe Identifies 105 CCTV Incidents
Ayodhya Temple Donation Probe Identifies 105 CCTV Incidents
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Key Points
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The SIT’s expanded findings were based on 45 days of CCTV footage recorded from April 27 to June 5, which reportedly showed repeated instances of staff allegedly hiding cash during the donation-counting process.
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The first FIR included allegations of theft, criminal breach of trust, concealing stolen property and criminal conspiracy. Earlier SIT findings identified Avinash Shukla as the main accused and alleged that five others assisted him or were involved.
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The alleged theft controversy led to the removal of senior Ram Mandir Trust officials Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, followed by the introduction of a CEO-led administrative structure in the trust.
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The Supreme Court directed the magistrate to deal with the chargesheet in accordance with law after it is filed, rather than itself determining the next procedural steps.
A special investigation team probing alleged theft at India's Ram Temple in Ayodhya told the Supreme Court it has identified 105 incidents of staff allegedly stealing donations, up from 70 in an earlier report The Statesman. The team examined 45 days of CCTV footage, witness statements, and bank records, and has already arrested eight people News24online. Investigators say they have enough evidence to file their first formal chargesheet by September 25, before the accused could seek bail DNA India.
How Investigators Found 105 Theft Instances
The SIT reviewed CCTV footage from April 27 to June 5 and spotted repeated patterns of staff allegedly hiding cash during the donation-counting process ApnLive. Investigators also examined bank records, property details, and recovered donated items including jewelry and ceremonial footwear. A forensic auditor helped track how valuables move through the temple system — they are recorded in software-generated receipts before storage in a State Bank of India locker News24online.
Who Is Accused and What Charges They Face
The investigation identified Avinash Shukla as the main accused, with five others allegedly assisting him or involved in the theft scheme The Statesman. The first formal complaint includes charges of theft, criminal breach of trust, hiding stolen property, and criminal conspiracy. Eight people have been arrested so far, and the SIT plans to file its chargesheet before the statutory 90-day detention period expires, which would prevent the accused from seeking default bail Lawbeat.
Temple Leadership Changes After Theft Allegations
The alleged embezzlement led to the removal of senior Ram Mandir Trust officials Champat Rai and Anil Mishra The Statesman. The temple then introduced a new CEO-led administrative structure to replace the previous management model. These changes aimed to tighten controls over donations and prevent future theft News24online.
Supreme Court Lets Investigation Proceed Without Interference
The Supreme Court placed the SIT's status report on record but did not order the investigation closed or grant petitioners a copy of the full report DNA India. The court directed the magistrate to handle the chargesheet according to standard legal procedure rather than making procedural decisions itself. The court left open the possibility of issuing further directions if additional investigation becomes necessary Lawbeat.
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