Ram Mandir donation theft: Six accused were employed by Varanasi-based security firm, probe reveals
Ayodhya/IBNS: Six of the eight men arrested in connection with the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft case were employed by a Varanasi-based security agency that supplied personnel for the temple's cash-counting process, Hindustan Times reported.
The accused were on the payroll of Sainik Security Services, a security agency registered in Varanasi.
Security agency supplied cash-counting staff
According to the report, Sainik Security Services had been hired by the State Bank of India (SBI), Naya Ghat Branch in Ayodhya, to provide manpower for counting cash donations received at the Ram Mandir.
The Naya Ghat Branch was one of the three SBI branches where the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust maintained bank accounts.
Agency owner explains hiring process
Sainik Security Services owner Gaurav Singh said the agency was engaged by the SBI branch specifically for the cash-counting process at the temple.
The report added that the Naya Ghat Branch had recommended the names of 19 individuals to be included in the cash-counting team.
SBI cooperating with SIT probe
The State Bank of India said it is fully cooperating with the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is investigating the alleged donation theft.
The SIT is examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged misappropriation of temple donations and the roles of those involved.
Eight named in FIR
Those named in the FIR are Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu, according to an NDTV report.
Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, is the former driver of the Trust's General Secretary, Champat Rai.
According to police, the accused were involved in counting cash donations and valuables offered by devotees at the temple.
They have been arrested, and further interrogation is underway.
Trust general secretary Champat Rai resigns
After the scandal broke out, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra resigned as the general secretary and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust member respectively.
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