The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has encountered a significant roadblock, as CCTV footage from the temple premises is only available for a period of 45 days. Sources familiar with the investigation revealed this limitation on Saturday, adding that the team is struggling to trace the sequence of events beyond this window.
Investigation Challenges and Evidence Tampering
Sources said investigators have also found indications of possible tampering with the footage. The SIT is now making efforts to recover deleted or altered data, which could be crucial to identifying the perpetrators. The theft, which came to light earlier this month, involves a substantial amount of cash and valuables donated by devotees at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex.
According to temple officials, donations are collected in designated boxes and counted periodically. The discrepancy was noticed during a routine audit, prompting the temple trust to file a complaint with the local police. The Uttar Pradesh government subsequently formed an SIT, led by a senior IPS officer, to investigate the matter.
Scope of the Investigation
The SIT has been reviewing the available footage and questioning temple staff and volunteers. However, the 45-day retention policy for CCTV recordings has severely limited the scope of the inquiry. “We are trying to piece together the timeline using other evidence, but the lack of older footage is a major hurdle,” a source said.
The team is also examining financial records and transaction logs to identify any irregularities. Forensic experts have been roped in to analyze the digital evidence for signs of manipulation. “If the footage was tampered with, it suggests a well-planned operation,” the source added.
Reactions and Next Steps
The Ram Mandir trust has expressed confidence in the SIT’s ability to solve the case. A trust spokesperson said, “We are cooperating fully with the investigation and hope the culprits are brought to justice soon.” Meanwhile, political parties in Uttar Pradesh have seized on the incident to criticize the state government’s handling of security at the temple.
The SIT is expected to submit its preliminary report within the next two weeks. Investigators are also exploring the possibility of involving cybercrime experts to recover deleted data. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the religious significance of the site and the large sums of money involved.
