Audit Clears Ram Mandir Trust of Large-Scale Scam, SIT Points to Cash-Counting Theft

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has reportedly found no evidence of a large-scale scam in the finances of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Government sources said that all donations worth nearly ₹3,300 crore have been properly recorded, audited and accounted for. The investigation found that the alleged theft was limited to the manual cash-counting process and did not involve the Trust's official bank accounts or audited financial records.

Audit Finds No Financial Irregularities

According to the investigation, the Trust's banking records and audit trail were found to be correct. Officials reportedly said the donations received from devotees were deposited through proper banking channels, and there was no evidence that money had disappeared from the official accounts. The report rejected claims of a large-scale financial scam involving the temple's audited funds.

• Around ₹3,300 crore in donations was fully accounted for.
• No irregularities were found in the Trust's audited financial records.
• Banking transactions matched the official audit.
• The probe did not find evidence of a major financial scam.

Probe Highlights Lapses in Cash Counting

The SIT reportedly found that the problem occurred inside the donation-counting room, where some staff members allegedly stole cash during manual counting. Investigators also pointed to weak supervision, poor enforcement of security rules and failure to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs). Several people have already been arrested in connection with the alleged theft, while authorities have recommended stronger monitoring and tighter security during the cash-counting process.

Recommendations from the Probe:

• Improve CCTV monitoring and supervision.
• Follow standard operating procedures strictly.
• Strengthen security during cash counting.
• Ensure only trained and qualified staff handle donations.
• Increase accountability of officials overseeing the process.

The SIT's also reportedly findings suggest that while theft by some individuals during manual cash handling did occur, there is no evidence that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's audited accounts were manipulated or that the temple's overall donations were involved in a large-scale financial scam. Authorities say the focus will now be on improving security measures and preventing similar incidents in the future.