In a major administrative overhaul following the alleged donation embezzlement case at the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has introduced a new set of guidelines governing the counting and handling of devotees' offerings. The revised rules aim to strengthen security, improve accountability and restore public confidence in the temple's donation management system.
Under the revamped Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), donation counting will now take place only between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm under enhanced surveillance. The Trust has also introduced stricter security checks, tighter monitoring mechanisms and fresh guidelines regarding the handling of donations by temple employees. The measures come in the wake of an ongoing investigation into an alleged theft of donations from the temple's hundis.
The investigation has made significant progress, with police recovering stolen cash, gold jewellery and a four-wheeler from the accused. According to police sources, late-night raids conducted at multiple locations based on information provided by those arrested led to the recovery of several items linked to the alleged embezzlement.
Authorities recovered Rs 20,000 in cash, a gold chain, a mobile phone and a Maruti Swift Dzire from the possession of accused Anukalp Mishra. The vehicle was reportedly registered in his father's name.
Investigators also recovered a gold locket allegedly gifted by accused Lavkush Mishra to his wife, along with Rs 38,000 in cash. Another Rs 15,000 was recovered from accused Karunesh Pandey. Police have also obtained bank transaction records of the accused, which are being examined to determine how the stolen funds were allegedly routed and presented as legitimate money.
The case is being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), whose preliminary findings point to serious lapses in supervision and internal controls. According to the investigation, the accused allegedly made 70 theft attempts over a span of 45 days, all of which were captured on CCTV cameras installed within the temple premises.
The SIT has attributed the repeated incidents to inadequate staff supervision and violations of established procedures governing the handling of temple donations.
The preliminary report has also brought the role of former trustee Dr. Anil Mishra under scrutiny. Investigators noted that mandatory SOPs were allegedly not followed during the period under his supervision, raising concerns about administrative oversight.
Following the controversy, former trustee Dr. Anil Mishra stepped down from his position. Earlier, Champat Rai also resigned as the Trust's General Secretary, and both resignations have since been accepted by the Trust.
The investigation has further revealed that Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, a close associate of Champat Rai and one of the eight accused arrested in the case, allegedly handled access to the temple's donation hundis without written authorisation, violating prescribed procedures.
Despite his resignation, the Trust has maintained that Champat Rai continues to support the administrative reforms being introduced.
Speaking on the developments, Trust Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj said Rai had willingly stepped aside in the interest of strengthening the institution.
"He is an old veteran who has devoted his life to the country. He is fully supportive of the new temple management system being put in place and he isn't upset or angry," the treasurer said.
The introduction of stricter donation counting protocols marks the Trust's effort to ensure greater transparency and accountability in managing offerings made by millions of devotees who visit the Ram Mandir every year. With the SIT investigation still underway and financial records continuing to be scrutinised, authorities are expected to examine whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged misappropriation of temple donations.
The Trust hopes that the new safeguards—including fixed counting hours, enhanced surveillance, stricter employee protocols and improved monitoring—will prevent future irregularities while reinforcing public trust in one of India's most prominent religious institutions.
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