Ram temple donation probe in final stage: Trust member

A new phase in the investigation into alleged thefts of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has begun, according to a senior member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Mahant Dinendra Das confirmed that the probe into irregularities involving gold, silver and other offerings made by devotees has entered its final stage. The inquiry, which has led to the arrest of several individuals, is being conducted by a newly formed team that has been questioning people within the temple premises. Das stated that the trust has implemented stricter measures to ensure transparency in the handling of donations. Since July 25, every step of the donation process, from removing empty boxes from the counting room to their transportation, filling, sealing and return, has been continuously recorded through videography. This initiative follows heightened scrutiny following reports of alleged misappropriation of temple offerings, which prompted the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT probe has already resulted in the detention of multiple suspects, and the investigation continues. To enhance oversight, the trust has deployed an eight-member monitoring team composed of bank employees, trust officials, private security personnel and other designated staff. These monitors are tasked with supervising the entire donation-handling process. Additionally, 40 donation boxes installed throughout the temple complex are now being emptied on separate days rather than simultaneously, to prevent potential tampering or discrepancies. The trust has also introduced advanced recording technology, including two professional videographers and 360-degree cameras, to document the entire procedure. In addition, CCTV cameras have been installed inside the donation counting room. Once the boxes arrive there, they are sealed by officials of the State Bank of India. These measures aim to ensure complete transparency and accountability in the management of funds collected for the temple. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the issue has extended beyond administrative concerns into the political sphere. Independent MP Pappu Yadav from Bihar’s Purnia recently faced backlash for participating in a satirical protest at the Parliament complex, where he portrayed a priest allegedly stealing donations from devotees. The demonstration, part of a broader opposition effort to highlight alleged embezzlement of temple offerings, sparked accusations from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which claimed the act insulted Hindu religious sentiments. Yadav responded by posting a video on Instagram, in which he appeared dressed in traditional saffron attire, adorned with a turban, sacred ash and tilak, and wearing rudraksha malas. He performed a Hindu ritual by pouring water over a rudraksha garland, chanting prayers and offering items. In the accompanying caption, he clarified that his actions were not against faith but against those exploiting religious sentiments for personal gain. He emphasized that he respects Hindu traditions and religious practices, but opposes the misuse of devotion for corrupt purposes. The controversy originated during the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 31, when members of the INDIA bloc staged a satirical protest near the Makar Dwar. They placed donation boxes on the steps and enacted a scene in which a priest was shown allegedly stealing offerings. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined the act, while Samajwadi Party MPs, including Dimple Yadav, observed from behind. The BJP condemned the protest, accusing the Opposition of disrespecting Sanatan Dharma, saffron robes and Lord Ram. Following the incident, a complaint was filed against Yadav at Delhi’s Jahangirpuri police station, alleging that the protest offended Hindu religious sentiments. The complaint also included names such as Rahul Gandhi, Dimple Yadav and Awadhesh Kumar. Police confirmed that the complaint had been registered and that legal advice would be sought before any further action was taken.