CCTV footage from the Ayodhya Ram temple has captured employees concealing bundles of currency notes on at least 70 occasions, according to a report on the alleged fund theft. The report, submitted to the temple trust, noted that the footage was available only until April 27, making it impossible to assess the full extent of the 'actual loss' as the 'theft' might have occurred before that period as well.
Details of the Theft
The report, prepared by a team of auditors, reviewed CCTV recordings from the temple's donation counting room. It found that on 70 separate instances, staff members were seen hiding bundles of cash instead of depositing them into the official collection. The concealed amounts varied, with some bundles containing notes of high denominations. The temple, which attracts millions of devotees, generates significant daily donations, making the alleged theft a serious concern for the trust.
Limitations in Investigation
According to the report, the CCTV footage was only retained until April 27, meaning any thefts before that date could not be documented. The auditors stated, 'Due to the limited availability of footage, the actual loss may be substantially higher than what has been observed.' The temple trust has been asked to implement stricter monitoring and longer data retention policies to prevent future incidents.
Response from Temple Authorities
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the temple, has acknowledged the report. A trust official said, 'We are taking this matter very seriously. The employees involved have been identified and will face disciplinary action. We are also enhancing security and surveillance measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.' The trust has also ordered a forensic audit of donation records from the past year to trace any discrepancies.
Broader Implications
The incident has sparked debate about financial transparency in religious institutions. Devotees have expressed shock and demanded accountability. The Uttar Pradesh government has taken note of the report and may launch a separate investigation. The temple, a symbol of faith for millions, now faces scrutiny over its financial management. The trust has assured the public that all donations are used for temple development and community welfare, and that the alleged theft is an isolated case involving a few errant employees.
