Ram temple offering scam: Questions raised from outsourced employees to the role of trust, SIT investigation intensified

Ayodhya. The case of alleged misappropriation and embezzlement of the amount of offerings in Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple is becoming increasingly serious. Now, not only the employees who exceed the amount of offerings, but also the entire system and monitoring system have come under the ambit of investigation. Embezzlement of several crores of rupees is suspected in the case, while the investigating agencies are probing financial irregularities as well as security and administrative lapses.

According to sources, the employees counting the offerings at the temple were outsourced by the bank through a private company. It is alleged that transparency was not maintained in the selection of these employees and many employees were appointed on the recommendations of people associated with the trust. Some of these people are said to be relatives or close to the officials.

Negligence in counting process became the reason for embezzlement

It is being told that counting of offerings is one of the most important processes of temple administration. Despite this, neither adequate verification of employees was done nor there was any system for regular monitoring. It is alleged that the amount was withdrawn during the counting itself and the amount recorded later became the official account.

Investigation has also revealed that the employees were not even searched. On the basis of I-card, he had access to many sensitive areas in the temple premises. In such a situation, serious questions are being raised on the security arrangements.

Recovery of Rs 3 crore, doubt over embezzled amount

According to sources, around three crore rupees have been recovered so far on the information of the arrested suspects. However, there is no official confirmation yet regarding the total amount of embezzlement. There is talk of manipulation of crores of rupees at various levels, but the actual figure will become clear only after the investigation is completed.

There is also discussion about missing jewelery

In this case, there is talk of disappearance of not only cash but also gold, silver and other valuable items brought as offerings. Some sources have feared the disappearance of a large quantity of jewelery and precious metals. However, there has been no official confirmation in this regard yet.

The matter also reached the Supreme Court

A letter petition has also been sent to the Supreme Court regarding alleged irregularities in the management of offerings and donations. The petition demands an investigation by an independent agency and ensuring a transparent system of donation management. Also, a request has been made to create an effective mechanism to monitor the financial management of the temple.

SIT started intensive investigation

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to investigate the case investigated the temple premises for several hours. The relevant records, counting process and role of employees were reviewed during the investigation. According to sources, the team has to submit its report to the government within the stipulated time limit.

Flaws in the system will also be investigated

Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra has indicated that the investigation will not be limited to just identifying the culprits, but will also review the administrative and security lapses that made the alleged irregularities possible. Vinay Katiyar has demanded strict action against the culprits, saying that no one should be spared in the case. On the other hand, Iqbal Ansari has stressed the need for a fair and transparent investigation.