- SIT report on Ram Temple donation theft expected soon.
- Report may expose role of local SBI bank employees.
- Firm hired unsuitable staff for counting temple donations.
Praveen Tiwari, Ayodhya: All eyes are now on the final report of the ongoing SIT investigation into the alleged Ram Temple donation theft, which is likely to expose the circumstances surrounding the case. The report could implicate bank employees and several other individuals.
Jagran sources indicate that the report may clearly identify the role of some local State Bank of India (SBI) employees. The bank management is also preparing to terminate its contract with the firm and take legal action.
The firm had deployed staff recruited in the name of housekeeping for counting offerings. Among the accused counting staff, some were earlier mechanics and some used to do video recording at weddings. Questions have been raised as to why the firm directly involved such individuals in counting of funds. For years, the donation was being deposited at the SBI Ayodhya branch.
44 Employees Worked In 2 Shifts To Count Donations
After the consecration of Ram Lalla's idol, the donations increased manifold, and by the time the Maha Kumbh Mela arrived, they had surpassed Rs 1 crore daily. This is when the bank contracted with Sainik Security Services to supply personnel. Approximately 44 employees worked in two shifts to count the donations.
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As the investigation into the Ram Temple donation theft case continues, security at the counting room has been further tightened. The CRPF, police, and several other government security agencies are deployed, and two private security personnel have been deployed at key locations.
What Has Changed Now?
The counting duty has now been assigned in three shifts. As soon as the issue of embezzlement of donations came to light, the honorarium of private security personnel was also increased. Those who were paid Rs 16,000 now receive Rs 18,000. The demand for security personnel was made by the then General Secretary, Champat Rai.
According to Jagran sources, the number of private security personnel, which was around 300, has now been increased to around 350. Sources indicate that private security personnel have been deployed alongside government security personnel.