Private Employees Were Counting Notes

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of donations at Ram Mandir has found serious lapses at multiple levels. According to the probe, SBI, which handled banking for the Ram Mandir Trust, outsourced the work of sorting and counting notes to a private security agency in Varanasi.

The private agency hired local boys from Ayodhya on the recommendation of trust-related people. One employee got a job through his brother-in-law’s recommendation. There was no proper checking when staff entered or exited, and many worked in casual clothes. CCTV cameras were also not properly monitored as staff would stand in front of them while committing theft.

A dress code was introduced but rarely followed. The SIT is preparing a detailed 140-page report. Several sevadars may face action. A PIL has also been filed in Allahabad High Court demanding CBI probe and CAG audit.

The SIT has barred people involved in the probe from leaving Ayodhya without permission. Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, is also under scrutiny.