The investigation into the alleged theft of donation money at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has expanded further, with authorities identifying around a dozen properties linked to the accused. The police and Special Investigation Team (SIT) are examining these assets, with suspicion that some of the properties acquired over the past four to five years may have been purchased using the allegedly stolen funds. The process to initiate legal action and possible attachment of these properties is underway.
According to the investigation, Tintu and his alleged associates, who were arrested in connection with the donation theft case, are suspected of misappropriating crores of rupees collected as offerings at the temple. Police estimate that the accused may have diverted around ₹4 to ₹5 crore. So far, the total recovery, excluding jewellery, has reached nearly ₹85 lakh in cash and other valuables. Investigators are also examining the accused persons’ bank accounts, properties and other financial transactions to trace the movement of the funds.
A difference of around ₹1.33 lakh has reportedly emerged between the SIT report and the recovery figures recorded by the police. Officials are matching seizure documents, recovery records and investigation reports to resolve the discrepancy. The agencies are also trying to determine how the allegedly stolen money was utilised and which assets were purchased through those funds.
Meanwhile, questions have also been raised over the process of counting temple donations. Despite the theft incident, the same housekeeping workers continue to remain involved in the counting of donation money. These workers were reportedly appointed through the ‘Sainik Security’ company. Around 46 employees were engaged through the company on the recommendation of the trust, but they were allegedly assigned sensitive duties such as donation counting instead of their original housekeeping responsibilities.
However, some changes have been introduced after the incident. Employees involved in donation counting are now required to wear designated uniforms, and the entire counting process is being recorded through videography. Despite these measures, the complete replacement of staff has not taken place. This has raised questions over why new personnel meeting security standards have not been appointed and why the existing arrangement with the service provider has not been reviewed.
Investigating agencies are also examining whether the theft involved only the directly accused individuals or whether negligence or involvement of others existed at different levels. For this purpose, investigators are reviewing employee roles, duty records, CCTV footage, financial transactions and other digital evidence.
Meanwhile, changes have also been made in Ayodhya’s security arrangements. Balramachari, who was serving as the Superintendent of Police (Security), was transferred on May 25 but continued in the position until the arrival of the new SP Security, Vijay Shankar Mishra. The entire responsibility of security arrangements has now been handed over to Vijay Shankar Mishra.
The biggest challenge before the temple trust and investigating agencies is to trace the complete amount allegedly stolen, identify and take legal action against illegally acquired properties, and establish stronger systems to prevent such incidents in the future. Further revelations are expected as the investigation progresses.
