SIT also probing appointments, security measures at Ram temple
Expands Probe Beyond Temple Donations MisappropriationLucknow: The three-member Special Investigation Team probing the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram temple has widened its investigation to include appointments, security arrangements and administrative processes introduced in the t
By The Times of India
Expands Probe Beyond Temple Donations MisappropriationLucknow: The three-member Special Investigation Team probing the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram temple has widened its investigation to include appointments, security arrangements and administrative processes introduced in the temple after the consecration ceremony of Jan 2024.Sources said the SIT is no longer restricting its inquiry to the alleged diversion of donation funds but is also examining recruitment procedures, record maintenance and decision-making processes within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Documents related to various appointments made by trust functionaries have reportedly been scrutinised, while detailed information has been sought regarding security personnel and staff members deployed at the temple complex.Around 800 personnel are currently engaged in various operations at the Ram temple.
Of these, nearly 200 have been appointed directly by the Trust.
Employees of private agencies manage locker facilities, security services, footwear counters and sanitation arrangements.
Volunteers and salaried staff posted at the Yagya site, personnel working at pilgrim facilitation centres, service centres, pass issuance counters and accounts offices, as well as temple priests, have also been appointed by the Trust.Sources said the investigation has revealed that several appointments may have been made without a comprehensive screening process.
The SIT is examining how staffing requirements increased following the consecration ceremony, the procedures adopted for recruitment, and the manner in which records relating to appointments were maintained.
A number of key documents have been provided by the Trust office and are currently under review.
No official findings have been announced so far regarding the role of any individual officer or employee.The investigation team has also sought details of security officials, supervisors and other personnel who have been posted at the temple complex for extended periods.
Sources said the role of a security-related employee, who has been associated with the temple for the past 17 years, is also being examined.
Investigators are gathering information regarding the tenure, responsibilities and areas of operation of long-serving staff members.Meanwhile, SIT officials continued the questioning a senior Ram temple trustee.
Sources said investigators asked him about the process of counting donations, accounting of jewellery offerings and procedures followed for depositing cash collections in banks.
The team also sought clarification on his role during donation counting exercises and his presence during various stages of the process.The SIT’s expanded inquiry comes amid efforts to determine whether any irregularities occurred in the handling of donations and administrative operations at one of the country’s most prominent religious institutions.
No official statement has been issued so far on the findings of the investigation.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Lucknow | Silver Rate in Lucknow | Bank Holidays in Lucknow | Public Holidays in Lucknow | Lucknow AQI | Weather in Lucknow | Petrol Price in Lucknow | Diesel Price in Lucknow | CNG Price in Lucknow | LPG Price in LucknowStay updated with the latest Lucknow news.
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