Lucknow, July 5 -- The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya suspects that some of the jewellery offered by devotees may have been melted and altered, raising fresh questions over the handling of valuables donated to the shrine.
Sources associated with the investigation said the SIT has found indications that the original form of some donated ornaments may have been changed after they were deposited with the temple authorities. Investigators are examining whether the jewellery was melted and subsequently diverted or tampered with. Officials, however, said the findings are preliminary and any conclusions will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The SIT returned to Lucknow on Friday night after completing the second phase of its two-day inquiry in Ayodhya. The team is scrutinising nearly five years of financial records, including bank accounts, transactions and audit documents since the formation of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Investigators have taken possession of key financial documents of the trust and are examining alleged discrepancies in audit records and financial transactions. Officials suspect that manipulation of donation amounts may have taken place during the counting process itself, making it difficult to determine the actual amount received and the extent of any possible embezzlement.
The SIT is also examining records related to jewellery donations worth several crores of rupees. Sources said audit documents do not contain detailed references to these valuables, prompting investigators to closely examine the trail of donated ornaments.
According to sources, the SIT has questioned all three chartered accountants associated with the trust and collected documents related to the audit process. Some of the queries raised by investigators reportedly remained unanswered and the accountants may be called again for further questioning.
The probe has also widened to include alleged irregularities in land transactions linked to the temple trust. Statements of several individuals have been recorded and documents seized as investigators attempt to piece together the larger financial picture surrounding the temple's affairs.
Meanwhile, police are trying to establish links between the eight accused already arrested in the donation theft case and several other individuals, including some bank employees and counting staff, who are suspected to have been in contact with the accused. Further action is likely after investigators gather additional evidence.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.