The investigation into the alleged Ram Mandir offering theft case has expanded to the recruitment and deployment of workers associated with the temple’s donation counting process.
According to investigators, a list of 46 workers was reportedly forwarded by the then Chief Manager of the State Bank of India to Sainik Security Company, with instructions to engage them, complete employment formalities and facilitate salary payments.
Recruitment Process Under Investigation
Officials said that under a normal outsourcing arrangement, a manpower agency independently recruits and deploys workers as per the client’s requirement.
However, investigators are examining whether this standard process was bypassed in this case.
Preliminary findings suggest that the 46 individuals were officially appointed as housekeeping staff but were allegedly assigned donation counting responsibilities at the temple.
Role of Bank and Security Agency Being Examined
The SIT is reviewing how the list of workers was prepared and forwarded.
Investigators are examining:
- Recruitment files
- Salary payment records
- Bank communication
- Manpower agency documents
- Deployment records
- Trust-related approvals
The probe is also analysing whether the temple trust, bank officials or manpower agency followed prescribed administrative procedures.
Six Workers Already Accused in Theft Case
According to the investigation, six individuals from the list have been accused in the alleged theft of temple offerings worth several crores.
They have been identified as:
- Anukalp
- Lavkush
- Manish
- Avinash
- Karunesh
- Ramashankar
Following their arrests, Sainik Security Company reportedly terminated their services.
The remaining 40 workers are still under examination as part of the broader inquiry.
Earlier Agency Also Under Review
Investigators are also looking into the earlier engagement of workers through JP Security, which had previously supplied manpower for the temple.
Preliminary findings suggest that the earlier agency was replaced after issues related to salary payments.
The SIT is now verifying whether earlier recruitment was also based on recommendations instead of standard outsourcing procedures.
Trust Administration Sees Changes
The investigation comes alongside administrative changes within the temple trust.
On July 6, resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra were accepted.
Trust member Krishna Mohan has been assigned responsibilities as Interim General Secretary and has also been entrusted with operating the trust’s bank accounts.
Chandan Rai and engineer Jagdish Afale have been assigned to assist with banking operations.
Governance and Audit Perspective
Religious institutions handling large public donations require strong internal controls, clear role segregation, staff verification and transparent donation counting procedures.
Independent auditing services in india can help religious trusts review donation handling, outsourced manpower deployment, salary records, bank operations and internal control gaps.
Conclusion
The SIT investigation is currently examining recruitment records, salary payments, banking documents and donation counting procedures.
All allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial scrutiny, and any criminal liability will depend on evidence collected during the probe.
Shunyatax Global Insight
Shunyatax Global says that temple donations require the highest level of transparency because they represent public faith. Religious trusts should adopt staff background verification, CCTV-backed counting rooms, maker-checker controls, bank reconciliation and independent auditing services in india to protect donor confidence and prevent financial irregularities.