The investigation into the alleged theft of donations collected at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has expanded to include the role of officials and employees of the State Bank of India (SBI).

According to investigators, the inquiry is no longer confined to individuals directly involved in counting donations but now extends to the banking procedures, supervisory mechanisms and administrative controls governing the handling of temple offerings.

Authorities are examining whether lapses in implementing the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) may have created opportunities for the alleged irregularities.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no conclusions have been reached regarding the responsibility of any individual or institution.

SOP Compliance Under Examination

Police are reviewing whether established protocols governing the collection and counting of donations were properly followed.

Investigators are examining issues including:

• Staff identification procedures
• Authorised access to counting areas
• Supervision during counting
• Cash handling controls
• Verification procedures
• Record maintenance
• Accountability at different stages

Authorities believe that strict adherence to approved operating procedures could have reduced the possibility of irregularities if any procedural lapses occurred.

Statements of SBI Officials Recorded

As part of the investigation, the investigating officer has recorded separate statements from SBI officials and employees associated with the donation-counting process.

According to police, questioning has revealed certain inconsistencies regarding:

• The counting procedure
• Staff responsibilities
• Supervisory oversight
• Movement of donation collections
• Operational protocols

Investigators are comparing these statements with documentary records and other evidence to determine whether the inconsistencies can be satisfactorily explained.

Administrative Responsibility Also Being Reviewed

Police clarified that the inquiry extends beyond personnel physically involved in counting donations.

Authorities are examining the broader administrative framework, including:

• Supervisory responsibility
• Operational approvals
• Internal monitoring systems
• Compliance with SOPs
• Chain of accountability
• Reporting mechanisms

Investigators will assess whether any procedural failures were isolated incidents or reflected broader weaknesses in the control environment.

Legal Action Will Depend on Evidence

Police stated that legal action will be taken against any official, employee or other individual only if evidence establishes involvement in the alleged irregularities.

Investigators also emphasised that the role of any individual associated with the temple administration or trust would be examined objectively if supported by evidence.

At this stage, no adverse finding has been recorded against any person solely because they were involved in the donation management process.

Donation Counting Supervisor Questioned

Donation-counting supervisor Subhash Srivastava was taken into police custody for questioning during the investigation.

According to police, no conclusive evidence directly linking him to the alleged theft has emerged at this stage.

Investigators also searched his residence but reportedly did not recover significant incriminating material.

His role continues to be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

Role of Co-Accused Under Investigation

Police have indicated that the alleged role of co-accused Ramashankar Mishra appears to be more significant based on the material examined so far.

Authorities are also investigating the possible involvement of additional individuals connected with the handling, supervision or management of donation collections.

The precise role of each person will be determined after analysing documentary, financial and digital evidence.

Banking Procedures Being Analysed

Investigators are reviewing the banking processes associated with temple donations, including:

• Cash receipt procedures
• Deposit records
• Counting registers
• Reconciliation statements
• Cash transfer documentation
• Verification records
• CCTV footage
• Internal reporting systems

The objective is to establish whether every stage of the donation management process complied with approved operational procedures.

Importance of Internal Controls in Donation Management

Large religious institutions typically receive substantial public donations, making robust financial controls essential.

Standard governance measures often include:

• Dual verification during counting
• CCTV surveillance
• Restricted access to counting areas
• Rotation of authorised personnel
• Independent reconciliation
• Periodic internal audits
• Comprehensive documentation

These safeguards help reduce operational risk while strengthening transparency and public confidence.

Religious Trust Conducts Purification Ritual

Alongside the criminal investigation, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has initiated a special religious observance following the alleged incident.

According to the trust, a 10-day purification ceremony is being conducted across the temple complex, including:

• The sanctum sanctorum
• The parikrama area
• Other religious spaces

The ceremony reportedly includes:

• Vedic recitations
• Yajnas
• Rudrabhishek
• Other traditional religious rituals

Approximately 70 Vedic scholars are participating in the observances.

Trust Reaffirms Commitment to Sanctity

The trust stated that the objective of the religious ceremony is to:

• Preserve the sanctity of the temple
• Seek spiritual atonement
• Reinforce public confidence
• Reaffirm its commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future

The religious observance is separate from the criminal investigation and does not affect the legal process.

CCTV, Financial Records and Digital Evidence Under Review

Police continue to examine multiple categories of evidence, including:

• CCTV recordings
• Donation counting registers
• Banking records
• Cash movement documentation
• Electronic devices
• Internal communications
• Statements of witnesses
• Administrative records

Investigators are reconstructing the sequence of events to determine whether any procedural failures or unlawful acts occurred during the donation handling process.

Accountability Depends on Evidence

Authorities have reiterated that the investigation is evidence-driven.

Any determination regarding:

• Individual responsibility
• Administrative lapses
• Banking negligence
• Criminal liability

will depend on the material collected during the investigation and subsequent judicial proceedings.

No finding of guilt has been recorded against any official, employee or institution at this stage.

Investigation Continues

Police stated that further legal action will depend upon:

• Documentary evidence
• Financial analysis
• Digital forensics
• CCTV examination
• Witness statements
• Banking records
• Compliance review

The competent court will ultimately determine criminal liability after evaluating all admissible evidence presented during trial.

Shunyatax Global Insight

Shunyatax Global says that institutions handling large volumes of public donations should treat financial governance with the same rigor as major financial institutions. Strong internal controls, clearly documented SOPs, segregation of duties, continuous CCTV monitoring, independent reconciliation and regular audits are essential to safeguard public trust. When allegations arise, transparent investigations based on evidence—rather than assumptions—are critical to maintaining confidence in both religious institutions and financial systems.