The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has introduced stringent new security and transparency measures for counting donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple following allegations of embezzlement.
Under the revised protocol, all personnel involved in counting donations will undergo a mandatory two-tier security screening before entering the counting hall. Sources told India Today TV that staff must now wear dark blue pocketless uniforms to prevent the concealment of cash or valuables.
The Trust has also revamped the counting process. Employees will now count donations while seated on the floor instead of using tables and chairs. Mobile phones, cameras, bags and all personal belongings have been barred from the counting hall. Staff will also be required to remove their shoes and slippers before entering the premises, India Today reported.
The tightened protocols come as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues its probe into the alleged misappropriation of donations received at the Ram Temple.
As part of the investigation, the SIT is expected to conduct a fresh audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's accounts. Sources said the review will examine financial records from the past five years, including construction expenditure and donations received in the form of cash, gold, silver, jewellery and other valuables.
The alleged embezzlement surfaced on June 7, following which the Uttar Pradesh government constituted an SIT. An FIR was registered on June 25 based on the team's preliminary findings. So far, eight people associated with the temple's donation counting operations have been arrested.
Earlier this week, Ayodhya Police questioned key accused Avinash Shukla after securing his custody. Shukla, who was involved in the donation counting process, was arrested earlier in the case. Police sources said the largest cash recovery made during the investigation so far was from him.
The investigation has also reached senior functionaries associated with the Trust. The SIT has questioned former general secretary Champat Rai, former trustee Anil Mishra and temple official Gopal Rao. Rai and Mishra have submitted their resignations, which are expected to be taken up at the Trust's meeting on July 6.
The case has triggered a political row, with the Congress demanding a public accounting of donations collected before the Trust's formation and calling for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the alleged embezzlement.
