5-year Bank Records Sought of Ayodhya Temple Donation Row Accused

The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations has entered a key financial audit phase, with Ayodhya Police seeking five years of banking records of the eight arrested accused and the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Investigators are examining the financial trail to identify any suspicious transactions linked to the alleged diversion of devotees’ donations.

Police seek five years of banking records

According to police sources, investigators have sought detailed account statements, transaction histories, KYC documents, deposit records and other banking details from seven banks where the accused and the Trust maintain accounts.

The exercise aims to determine whether there were unusual cash deposits, withdrawals or inter-account transfers during the period when the accused were associated with the temple’s donation management system.

Trust accounts under financial scrutiny

As part of the investigation, a police team visited the State Bank of India’s Ayodhya Dham branch, where the Trust’s main donation account is maintained, to collect banking records and procedural documents.

Sources said police teams also visited six other banks to obtain records related to accounts allegedly held by the accused. Investigators are verifying whether the amounts deposited in the Trust’s accounts match the donations received and recorded by the temple administration.

Transactions to be matched with digital evidence

Officials said police are also collecting records from banks where the accused are believed to have maintained personal or salary accounts. The objective is to compare transactions across all accounts and determine whether any funds allegedly siphoned from temple donations were routed through the banking system.

Investigators are expected to cross-reference the banking records with CCTV footage, digital evidence, attendance records, cash deposit registers and other documents seized during the investigation.

SBI branch under focus in investigation

The Naya Ghat branch of the State Bank of India in Ayodhya has emerged as a key focus of the probe, with police questioning bank officials for nearly four hours on Monday. The branch reportedly holds accounts linked to seven of the eight accused as well as the temple trust.

According to SBI sources, irregularities were flagged to the Trust and police around three months ago, but no corrective action was taken. The bank had also sought a change in cash-counting staff months earlier, but some Trust officials reportedly did not approve the move.

Notices issued to multiple banks

Police have issued notices to around six banks, including State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank, seeking details of bank accounts and lockers of the arrested accused, the Trust and others linked to the case.

Officials said around 70 to 80 people are under the scanner, and notices are being issued in phases. Their statements will also be recorded as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged financial irregularities.