Fresh details have emerged in the alleged Ram Temple donation fund embezzlement case, with sources indicating that the State Bank of India (SBI) had recommended the removal of donation-counting staff nearly three months before the alleged theft came to light. According to the sources, the bank had raised concerns after suspecting irregularities in the handling of donations. However, the proposed action was allegedly stalled after intervention by certain officials associated with the temple trust, allowing the staff to continue their duties.

The investigation has gathered pace with police recording the statement of former Ram Temple Trust general secretary Champat Rai in connection with the case. Sources said notices are also likely to be issued to former trustee Anil Mishra and trustee Gopal Rao as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the appointments and supervision of the donation-counting staff. While Rai and Mishra have resigned from the trust, discussions are reportedly underway regarding Gopal Rao's future role in trust activities.

Police have so far arrested eight individuals in connection with the alleged theft, and efforts are continuing to recover money and other assets allegedly misappropriated from the temple's donation boxes. According to sources, the State Bank of India, which maintains the Ram Temple Trust's bank account, had outsourced the responsibility of counting donations to an external agency. After suspecting possible siphoning of funds, the bank reportedly advised replacing the counting staff, but the recommendation was allegedly not implemented.

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Sources further claimed that the outsourcing agency had begun preparing to remove the employees before trust officials intervened in their support. Investigators are also examining the alleged involvement of two bank employees, Ratnesh and Gagandeep, who were reportedly present during the counting process to supervise operations. According to sources, police have gathered evidence suggesting their possible role in the alleged embezzlement, and further action against them may follow as the investigation progresses.

The probe has also revealed that several of the accused were allegedly appointed through recommendations without mandatory police verification. Of the eight people arrested, six were reportedly recruited through the outsourcing agency and are alleged to have been relatives or close associates of trust officials. Investigators are examining whether lapses in the recruitment process contributed to the alleged financial irregularities and whether established verification procedures were bypassed.

In response to the controversy, the Ram Temple Trust is expected to introduce new guidelines governing the appointment of personnel involved in handling donations. The proposed measures are expected to include mandatory background verification, stricter screening procedures and periodic performance reviews for employees entrusted with financial responsibilities. According to sources, the trust is likely to take a final decision on the revised appointment process during its meeting scheduled for July 11, while the police investigation into the alleged embezzlement continues.

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