After hidden cameras, CCTV footage and investigation, 8 accused were arrested in the Ram Mandir donation misappropriation case. Know how the alleged irregularities came to light?
Ram Mandir Donation Scam: In the last week of May, officials associated with the Ram Mandir Trust reviewed the donation amount being deposited in the bank and the daily process of emptying the donation boxes. Meanwhile, some members of the trust became suspicious of alleged irregularities in the fund. Usually, when donation boxes were opened, cash worth around Rs 6 to 7 lakh was found in them. But for several weeks in a row, officials noticed that bundles of Rs 500 notes were less than expected. After this the matter was considered serious and surveillance was increased.
Hidden cameras installed as suspicion increased
When the trust members became suspicious of persistent irregularities, they installed secret cameras in the room where the donation amount was counted. The footage recorded the following week reportedly showed one employee deliberately standing in front of the CCTV cameras, while another employee took out some notes from bundles of notes and hid them under his clothes. It was told that his activity was not clearly visible in normal CCTV cameras, but was recorded in hidden cameras.
How was the alleged manipulation done while counting the cash?
According to sources, the alleged rigging was done not only in one way but also in other ways. It was told that the cash counting staff deliberately kept extra notes in some bundles. When this amount reached the bank, instead of counting each note again, a voucher was prepared only on the basis of the number of bundles. It is alleged that while carrying cash from the temple to the bank, extra notes kept in these bundles were taken out. Due to this, the amount deposited in the bank appeared to be correct as per the voucher, while some cash was allegedly withdrawn beforehand.
How did 8 people come under suspicion?
During the investigation, the roles of many people were claimed to have come to light. It is alleged that Anukalp Mishra, who was involved in the preparation of donation vouchers, allegedly carried out this manipulation with the help of his brother-in-law Lavkush Mishra. After the matter came to light, the police allegedly recovered lakhs of rupees from the house of Lavkush Mishra.
Were the appointments made through recommendation and acquaintanceship?
According to sources, many employees involved in the cash counting process were appointed on the basis of personal recommendation or acquaintanceship. It is said that Tinnu Yadav, former driver of Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, was working as a manager. It is alleged that he also included his cousin Manish Yadav in the cash counting team. Similarly, Anukalp Mishra, who has been involved in this work for years, reportedly made his brother-in-law Lavkush Mishra also a part of the same process.
Which major deficiency in the security system came to light?
The investigation also revealed that the employees were not searched while leaving after their duty. It is being said that taking advantage of this shortcoming, cash was allegedly taken out gradually. This was the same room where donation boxes were opened, notes were sorted and their bundles were prepared.
What was found from CCTV footage and bank records?
The investigators also examined the CCTV footage of Avinash Pandey. It was told that on the dates on which he was allegedly seen withdrawing the money, the concerned amount was also deposited in the bank on the same days. During interrogation, the trust officials matched the bank transactions. The investigation also reportedly revealed that Avinash had deposited some part of the donation amount in his personal bank account.
What did the investigation reveal?
According to the investigating agencies, preliminary investigation revealed that the alleged theft was committed during the process of completing the counting of cash and officially opening the donation boxes. However, the investigation of the entire matter is still going on and the final conclusions will be revealed only after the investigation is completed.
8 accused arrested, investigation continues
Uttar Pradesh Police arrested eight accused in this case on Thursday. The police have registered an FIR in this regard. Now investigators are trying to find out whether more people were also involved in this alleged misappropriation and whether this matter was part of a larger organized network. At present, detailed investigation of the case is going on and the police is investigating all aspects.