The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has significantly enhanced its surveillance measures for donations received at the Ram temple, implementing continuous videography throughout the collection and counting processes. This move aims to bolster transparency amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of theft of temple offerings.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Trustee Mahant Dinendra Das stated the new protocol, operational since July 25, meticulously monitors every step of donation handling. This includes the removal of empty donation boxes from the counting room, their transportation, filling with offerings, sealing, and their subsequent return, all under constant camera observation.
An eight-member monitoring team, comprising two bank employees, two trust representatives, two private security personnel, and other designated staff, has been deployed. The entire operation is being recorded using 360-degree cameras to ensure comprehensive coverage and accountability.
In a shift from previous practices, the approximately 40 donation boxes situated across the temple premises are now emptied on staggered days rather than simultaneously. This revised schedule is intended to decentralize the process and allow for more focused oversight.
Mahant Dinendra Das elaborated to PTI that prior to the emptying of any donation box, the complete sequence, from the exchange of an empty box from the counting room to its placement, filling, and the return of the sealed box, is now subject to videographic documentation. He further confirmed the engagement of two professional videographers specifically for this task.
To further solidify the integrity of the donation counting process, officials from the State Bank of India are now responsible for sealing the donation boxes once they reach the counting room. This involvement of an external financial institution is designed to add an extra layer of reliability and impartiality to the procedures.
In addition to the operational changes, the temple has also seen the installation of additional CCTV cameras strategically placed within the donation counting room. These installations are meant to provide an even more detailed and uninterrupted visual record of all activities occurring within this sensitive area.
Asserting the effectiveness of the new measures, Mahant Dinendra Das assured that no funds would be unaccounted for, stating, “Now, not even a penny can go missing in Ram Mandir; everything is safe.” He indicated that the trust remains committed to continuous improvement of these arrangements as and when required.
He also remarked on the efficacy of stringent administration, noting, “If the administration becomes strict, theft ends on its own.”
Regarding internal trust matters, Das mentioned that all decisions reached during trust meetings would be universally accepted by all members. He also affirmed that ongoing religious observances, such as the Jhula Utsav being celebrated during the holy month of Sawan, would proceed without alteration.
The heightened security measures follow closely on the heels of an alleged theft of donations from the Ram temple, which prompted the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough probe. Authorities have since arrested several individuals in connection with the case, and the investigation is actively ongoing.
This controversy had also precipitated organizational changes within the temple trust, with senior officials, including Champat Rai, stepping down from their roles as general secretary subsequent to the emergence of the allegations.
The Chenab Times News Desk