The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in donations to the Ram temple has identified a pattern of administrative and security lapses that may have enabled the alleged embezzlement over a prolonged period.
The SIT's preliminary findings pointed to multiple systemic deficiencies, including alleged violations of standard operating procedures, inadequate frisking of personnel involved in donation counting, weak supervision, deficiencies in CCTV monitoring and lapses in reconciliation of cash deposited in banks.
However, investigators stressed that no evidence has so far emerged implicating any trust office bearer in wrongdoing.
The probe has now entered a broader phase, with more than 100 people – including temple employees, security personnel, donation counting staff, bank officials and contractual workers – likely to be questioned.
The SIT recommended CCTV records be retained for 180 days, but officials said CCTV recordings were preserved for only 45 days.
Police have already recovered ₹79.85 lakh from seven of the eight accused and are preparing to seek their custodial remand to trace the remaining money, identify additional conspirators and establish the complete money trail.
