SIT Finds Ram Temple Staff Ignored Instructions For Counting Donations: Surveillance To Roles, What Was SOP?

Published 10 July 2026 · india

SIT Finds Ram Temple Staff Ignored Instructions For Counting Donations: Surveillance To Roles, What Was SOP? Published By, Last Updated: July 10, 2026, 11:58 IST

SIT Finds Ram Temple Staff Ignored Instructions For Counting Donations: Surveillance To Roles, What Was SOP? Published By, Last Updated: July 10, 2026, 11:58 IST The SOP includes a provision for the monthly rotation of SBI officials. This was evidently disregarded, according to the SIT preliminary report Rapid Read The SOP mandates the deposit of funds retrieved from donation boxes into the bank account at regular intervals. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) looking into the alleged embezzlement of donations at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir has found that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the counting process was not followed. The SOP document outlines the joint responsibilities of the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Trust. A controversy erupted in the first week of June after alleged irregularities were detected in the counting of donations at the Ram temple. Following a recommendation by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted an SIT to investigate the matter. The SIT subsequently found prima facie evidence of embezzlement, following which an FIR was registered and eight persons associated with the temple’s donation-counting process were arrested. The investigation is underway. WHAT DOES THE SOP SAY? The SOP mandates the deposit of funds retrieved from donation boxes into the bank account at regular intervals. It emphasises maintaining transparency and orderliness in the counting process in accordance with established guidelines. Instructions are provided for the proper operation and regular inspection of note-counting machines. It prohibits the unnecessary holding of cash and mandates periodic reviews. Responsibilities regarding the appointment of staff involved in counting and record-keeping are also defined. The SOP includes a provision for the monthly rotation of SBI officials, a measure that was evidently disregarded.

What are the Trust’s responsibilities according to the SOP? Overseeing the counting process to ensure transparency and authenticity. Verifying transactions by signing cash deposit slips, challans, registers, and other records. Ensuring a suitable working environment and facilities for the staff engaged in counting. What are the joint responsibilities of the Bank and the Trust? Donation boxes must be opened daily in the joint presence of designated officials. Regular reporting and recording of the bo opening and entire counting process to ensure accountability. The counting room must also be opened and operated on time as a joint responsibility. Instructions for security and surveillance No person entering the counting room may wear jewellery (such as gold or silver items) or enter without a uniform. Mandatory security searches by guards upon entry and exit. Proper maintenance of the visitor register. Donation counting process After opening the donation boxes, the collected amount should be segregated into designated boxes and counted in a timely manner. All sacks/boxes must be opened and counted sequentially to ensure accurate reconciliation of the amount. A complete count of the cash currently held must be ensured. Separate records should be maintained for items received as donations and other goods. Instructions to securely store the items in a locker after handing them over to the trust officials. During the counting of currency notes, damaged or torn notes should be set aside and kept securely in the provided pouches/bags. Coins should be counted with the help of counting machines. Other Important Instructions Carrying food items into the counting room is prohibited. To maintain cleanliness, snacks and meals must be consumed outside the room. Smoking and the use of gutkha, tobacco, bidis, and cigarettes are strictly prohibited.