New Delhi [india], July 1 : The alleged Ram Temple donation irregularities case has taken a fresh turn after it emerged that six of the eight people arrested in connection with the matter were earlier employed by a Varanasi-based security firm.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating allegations related to the handling and counting of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, the arrested individuals include Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Ram Shankar Yadav ‘Tinnu’, Manish Yadav, Subhash Srivastava, Avinash Shukla, Rama Shankar Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey.
How Did the Controversy Come to Light?
The controversy emerged after allegations were raised over possible irregularities linked to temple donations and cash-handling processes.
Even questions were raised about the selection of personnel involved in counting and managing donations. The investigation later focused on individuals connected with the process, leading to arrests and further questioning.
The case gained wider attention because the donations involved were made by devotees across the country for the Ram Temple project.
Security Firm Explains Its Role
The Varanasi-based security agency linked to the arrested individuals said it provided manpower through the bank, not directly to the temple trust.
Gaurav Singh, associated with the security firm, said the company received a demand from the local bank branch for 19 employees.
“Usually, it’s the corporate office that raises demand, but in this case, the local branch raised the demand for the 19 employees,” he said.
He added that the branch requested the company to induct 19 previously deployed persons and provide them for the assignment.
Singh clarified that the firm’s relationship was with the bank and not the temple trust.
“Temple is not our client. The SBI is. We are the second vendor. Sainik Security Services provided the bank with the manpower it desired,” he said.
He also stated that each of the 19 employees was paid around ₹20,000 per month.
SBI Cooperates With Investigation
The State Bank of India (SBI) has said it is cooperating with the SIT investigation.
In a statement, SBI said it has been providing banking services to the trust since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in January 2024.
A senior SBI official in Lucknow, speaking anonymously said that such hiring processes are usually handled at the corporate or centralised level.
A previous report by Hindustan Times also quoted SBI officials as alleging that some trust members had pressured the bank to include certain individuals in the cash-counting team.
The official claimed that the bank could not refuse due to the influence of those involved, and that the matter is now under investigation.
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Political Reaction and Protests
Although, the issue has already reached the political stage. On Tuesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) MLAs protested at Vidhan Bhavan and raised concerns over the alleged scam related to the Ram Temple donation box.
Opposition leaders have demanded transparency and strict action against anyone found responsible.
READ STORY : Ram Temple Donation Case: Former Trust Chief questioned for 3 hours by SIT
What Happens Next?
The SIT continues to examine the role of individuals, the hiring process, and the movement of donation-related funds.
The investigation is expected to look into whether there were any failures in supervision and whether any outside influence affected the donation management process.
The case remains sensitive because it involves public faith, religious donations, and one of the country’s most significant temple projects. Further developments will depend on the findings of the ongoing probe.
READ STORY : Ayodhya Donation Row: Why the Ram Temple Fund Case has put Sangh Parivar Under Pressure ?
Ends.
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