Lucknow: The Particular Investigation Group (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of donations to the Ram temple in Ayodhya has submitted a preliminary report back to Further Director Common of Non secular Affairs (Dwelling) Sanjay Prasad recommending structural reforms throughout the temple belief and authorized motion in opposition to these accountable.
Though UP authorities officers haven’t formally launched particulars, individuals conversant in the probe stated the report suggests registering an FIR within the matter, restructuring the belief’s administration and appointing a senior authorities official as CEO of the temple administration.
One of many key adjustments really helpful is the introduction of a compulsory costume code for employees concerned in counting money donations. To scale back the opportunity of money being mishandled, workers assigned to this obligation will probably be required to put on uniforms with out pockets.
The preliminary report has been submitted to the Further Chief Secretary (Ministry of Dwelling Affairs), Lucknow District Commissioner and SIT Chairman Vijay Vishwas Pant, together with two different members of the three-member panel. Authorities officers stated the investigation remains to be ongoing and the studies submitted up to now usually are not ultimate. Additional inquiries are anticipated earlier than a complete report is submitted.
The controversy over the alleged donation theft surfaced on June 7 and triggered widespread concern, prompting the state authorities to represent a three-member SIT to probe the matter. The fee was obliged to submit its findings inside 15 days.
“Extreme misconduct”
The SIT famous critical irregularities discovered within the preliminary investigation and really helpful corrective measures to strengthen accountability and transparency in temple endowment administration, officers stated. The advice to nominate a senior administration officer as CEO is aimed toward strengthening organizational oversight of monetary and operational issues throughout the belief.
The SIT formally started its investigation on June 15 and subsequently carried out an in depth probe into the temple’s monetary and administration programs. The staff first obtained details about the temple’s administration and donation dealing with procedures from Ram Temple Belief Government Director Champat Rai, Belief member Anil Mishra and Managing Director Gopal Rao.
The SIT staff additionally recorded statements of round 150 people concerned within the temple’s operations, together with these concerned in calculating donations and dealing with money collections. The investigation additionally included cross-checking the assertion of Ram Shankar Yadav (alias Tinu), who was beforehand Champat Rai’s driver, with the assertion of trustee Anil Mishra. In accordance with officers, inconsistencies have been present in his explanations, main to 3 consecutive days of interrogation.
The SIT additionally recorded written statements of 14 people related to belief and banking affairs, together with Mr. Anukalp Mishra, Mr. Luv Kush Mishra, Mr. Manish Yadav, Mr. Rajesh Pathak, Mr. Avinash Shukla, Mr. Krishnadev Tiwari and Mr. Subhash Srivastava.
ThePrint has discovered that the SIT investigated the usage of funds collected by way of donation containers, examined expenditure data and scrutinized land buy transactions associated to the belief. Studies stated data relationship again to 2021 have been examined as a part of the train. Financial institution officers concerned within the donation assortment and aggregation course of have been additionally questioned.
Sources advised motion was being thought of in opposition to some senior belief workers. Champat Rai and Anil Mishra could also be faraway from their posts if the allegations are substantiated, a senior UP authorities official stated. Temple administrator Gopal Rao might also face related motion, however no formal determination has been introduced up to now.
Belief introduces new safeguards
Amid elevated scrutiny over allegations of donation theft, Ram Temple Belief has begun implementing a collection of preventative measures aimed toward strengthening inside controls over the dealing with of donations.
Till now, the accountability for counting donations has primarily fallen on financial institution workers. Nonetheless, an investigation reportedly revealed that one banking establishment had employed an outsourcing company to help with the aggregation course of. A number of contract workers related to this association have been stationed on the temple for money counting duties.
Beneath the revised protocol, workers concerned in counting donations is not going to be allowed to have cellphones close to the counting space. The usage of telephones at money counters has been fully prohibited. Temple authorities additionally instructed workers to not contact the media concerning inside issues associated to donations or the continued investigation.
The Temple Belief at present has over 100 contract workers along with named members and officers. These workers work in a wide range of operational roles, together with endowment administration, administration, and help companies.
SIT recovers Rs 2,000 crore money
The SIT investigation reportedly recovered almost Rs 2,000 crore in money. The restoration was performed based mostly on info supplied by 5 people recognized as Lav Kush, Avneesh, Anukalp, Karunesh, Ram Shankar alias Tinnu. All of them have been reportedly associated to the method of counting donations obtained on the temple.
Earlier, on June 13, cash was allegedly recovered from the residence of Ram Shankar Yadav (alias Tinu), which is believed to be close to Champat Rai. Nonetheless, authorities haven’t formally disclosed the quantity or worth of the recovered gold, and verification of the restoration remains to be ongoing.
Because the SIT continues its investigation, the donation theft controversy has emerged as one of the vital critical challenges dealing with the Ram temple administration since its inception. Opposition events can even be given a chance to query the ruling BJP authorities forward of the essential UP meeting polls.
(Edited by Vinny Mishra)
Additionally learn: Yogi breaks his silence on Ram Mandir donation scandal – “I’ve been struggling for 500 years for the temple, please do your finest for 15 days”
