SBI Reportedly Sought Replacement of Ram Temple Cash-Counting Staff Months Before Donation Theft Probe

June 30, 2026

Ayodhya: The alleged donation theft at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has taken a new turn, with sources claiming that the State Bank of India (SBI) had recommended replacing the cash-counting staff several months before the irregularities came to light.

According to sources, SBI had expressed concerns over the personnel involved in handling and counting donations at the temple and had reportedly requested that they be replaced. However, the recommendation was not acted upon, and the same staff allegedly continued to manage the cash-counting process.

SBI Had Flagged Concerns Over Cash-Counting Staff

Sources said SBI had conveyed its concerns to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust around three months before the alleged embezzlement surfaced. The bank, which is associated with handling the temple’s donation deposits, reportedly recommended deploying new personnel for the cash-counting process as a precautionary measure.

However, the proposal was allegedly not implemented, allowing the existing staff to continue their duties.

The reported recommendation has now become a significant aspect of the ongoing investigation, with agencies examining whether the warning could have helped prevent the alleged financial irregularities.

Probe Widens Into Donation Management System

The investigation began after allegations of irregularities in the handling of donations received at the Ram Temple. Following a preliminary inquiry by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), Uttar Pradesh Police registered an FIR against several individuals on charges including criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal conspiracy.

Investigators are examining the entire donation management system, including cash collection, counting procedures, banking processes and the movement of funds.

Police have also conducted searches at locations linked to the accused and recovered cash, jewellery and documents that are being examined as part of the investigation.

Authorities Continue Investigation

Officials have not yet confirmed whether SBI’s reported recommendation forms part of the official investigation record. Authorities are continuing to scrutinise financial documents, CCTV footage and other evidence to determine the extent of the alleged irregularities.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has stated that it is cooperating with the investigation. Officials have emphasised that the probe is ongoing, and the allegations against those named in the FIR remain subject to investigation and judicial process.