RamTemple – Security Agency Employees Among Accused in Ayodhya Donation Probe
RamTemple – Authorities have widened the investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to donation handling at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with inquiries now covering security personnel, banking procedures, and trust operations.
The investigation into the alleged mishandling of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has revealed that six of the eight people arrested were employed by a private security company based in Varanasi. The agency, Sainik Security Services, had supplied manpower for the cash-counting process carried out on behalf of the temple trust. Investigators are examining how these workers became part of the system as they continue to review the donation management process.
Security Agency’s Role Comes Under Focus
Official records available through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs show that Sainik Security Services was incorporated as a private limited company in December 2017 with its registered office in Varanasi and a paid-up capital of ₹1 lakh. Investigators have confirmed that several arrested individuals were associated with the company while working in the temple’s donation counting operations.
According to the ongoing probe, police have also recorded the statement of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai. Officials are simultaneously reviewing the responsibilities of private security personnel deployed throughout the temple complex.
Investigation Began After SIT Findings
The alleged irregularities surfaced after a Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13, reportedly identified multiple violations of established procedures governing the collection and counting of temple donations. Based on the preliminary findings, an FIR was registered on June 25, leading to the arrest of eight individuals connected with the donation-counting process.
Those arrested include Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu, Manish Yadav, Subhash Srivastava, Avinash Shukla, Rama Shankar Mishra and Karunesh Pandey.
Security Firm Explains Recruitment Process
Gaurav Singh, director of Sainik Security Services, stated that his company had been engaged by the State Bank of India’s Naya Ghat branch in Ayodhya for manpower support in the temple’s cash-counting operations. He said the branch had requested the induction of 19 individuals who had previously been associated with its operations.
According to Singh, unlike the standard practice where recruitment requests are generated from the corporate office, the local SBI branch initiated the requirement in this instance. He added that the company simply onboarded the recommended individuals and assigned them back to the bank for the designated work. Singh also said each employee received a monthly salary of approximately ₹20,000 and explained that the business had evolved from a proprietorship established by his father in 2000 before becoming a private limited company in 2017.
SBI Assures Full Cooperation
Responding to the developments, the State Bank of India said it is fully cooperating with the investigation. The bank stated that it has been providing banking services to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony held in January 2024.
Officials familiar with the matter indicated that recruitment for such assignments is generally handled through centralized corporate procedures. Court documents submitted by Ayodhya Police reportedly show that six of the accused received salaries through the Varanasi-based security agency. Another accused, Ram Shankar Yadav, was reportedly paid directly by the Trust, while former bank employee Subhash Srivastava was not receiving wages.
Investigators are also examining reported family connections involving some of the accused and Trust member Anil Mishra, who resigned recently along with Champat Rai.
Wider Inquiry Covers Hundreds of Security Personnel
Police have broadened the investigation to examine the deployment of nearly 400 private security personnel across the Ram Temple premises. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, duty rosters, entry and exit logs, and statements from security staff stationed at key locations, including entry gates, darshan routes and donation transport corridors, to determine whether security protocols were properly followed.
Authorities have also questioned accused Avinash Shukla inside the district jail after obtaining court permission. Sources associated with the investigation said the Trust had recovered ₹20 lakh from him in early June. Police further stated that nearly ₹80 lakh in cash along with some foreign currency has been recovered from six of the arrested individuals.
Investigators have additionally alleged that one of the accused, Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, was in possession of keys to multiple donation boxes, a practice that was reportedly inconsistent with the prescribed standard operating procedures.
Meanwhile, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is expected to hold a meeting in Ayodhya on July 6 to discuss the recent resignations of Champat Rai and Trust member Anil Mishra, along with other developments related to the ongoing investigation.