Ram Temple donation case: SIT finds CCTV tampering clues, security staff under probe
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of cash and jewellery from donation boxes at the Ram Mandir has uncovered clues suggesting possible
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of cash and jewellery from donation boxes at the Ram Mandir has uncovered clues suggesting possible tampering with CCTV footage, a development that has significantly widened the scope of the investigation. The breakthrough came during the third day of intensive inquiries inside the temple complex, where investigators closely examined surveillance systems, recorded footage and security management protocols. Sources said the indications of CCTV tampering have prompted the SIT to focus on personnel linked to monitoring, maintaining and overseeing the camera network. Read Full Story As part of the probe, Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav was questioned for several hours.
Investigators are also examining the roles of employees associated with CCTV surveillance, gate-checking operations and overall security arrangements at the temple. According to documents reviewed by the SIT, nearly Rs 10 crore was spent on security arrangements at the temple complex over the past 11 months. The alleged theft of cash and ornaments from donation boxes despite such expenditure has raised serious concerns over the effectiveness of the security system. The SIT is also scrutinising the donation-counting process and the role of the bank involved. Investigators are examining whether any negligence occurred during counting operations, particularly as the number of trust employees involved in the process was reportedly limited compared to bank personnel.
Sources said several individuals who directly reported to senior trust functionaries have also come under the scanner. Investigators are gathering information about officials responsible for CCTV maintenance and surveillance operations, as well as employees overseeing visitor access and pass issuance within the temple complex. The probe is also looking into whether there were any lapses or possible collusion at various levels of the security apparatus. Sources said information regarding service records and other details of some staff members linked to surveillance and security management is being collected. The SIT has prepared a list of around 200 people for questioning.
More than 125 individuals have already been examined, while several have been called in multiple times as investigators seek to establish how the alleged theft took place and whether it involved a larger network. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and that more individuals could come under the scanner as the probe progresses. Ends
The BriefWire