Ayodhya: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has intensified monitoring of donations at the Ram temple, introducing a stricter videography-based system to make the handling of offerings more transparent and accountable as investigations continue into the alleged embezzlement of devotees’ money.
From July 25, every step in the donation chain — beginning with the collection boxes inside the temple and ending at the counting room — is being recorded on video, a senior Trust official said. The process is now being watched by an eight-member monitoring team.
A senior Trust official said the entire donation-handling chain is now under camera coverage, with 360-degree and SLR cameras capturing the process from the moment a donation box is lifted to the point where the cash is counted, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Officials said the new arrangement is meant to strengthen transparency, credibility and accountability across the entire donation process.
Counting Now Under Closer Watch
The Trust has also revised the procedure for emptying the temple’s 40-odd donation boxes. Earlier, several boxes were opened at the same time, but now they are being cleared on different days so each round can be checked more closely.
To carry out the exercise, two professional videographers have been engaged. Every round is conducted in the presence of two bank officials, two Trust representatives and two security personnel.
After a box reaches the counting room, State Bank of India officials formally seal it once the counting is completed.
The tighter checks come weeks after an alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple led to a Special Investigation Team probe.
Police have already arrested several people in the case, and the investigation remains open.
Officials said the mix of continuous videography, multi-agency presence and bank supervision is designed to rule out tampering and rebuild confidence in the donation system. They added that the new arrangement should also make audits quicker and help the Trust respond more effectively to complaints from devotees.
Separate Probe
Meanwhile, investigators are examining the business and financial dealings of a firm listed in the name of Poonam Devi, the wife of main accused Ram Shankar ‘Tinnu’ Yadav, to determine whether it is linked to the alleged embezzlement.
Circle Officer Ashutosh Tiwari, who is also the investigating officer, has written to the state tax department seeking complete records of Saundarya Construction and Suppliers.
The department has begun collecting the relevant documents following his request.
