The Special Investigation Team (SIT), in its preliminary findings, is said to have outlined several recommendations aimed at strengthening oversight, transparency, and administrative functioning within the Ram Mandir Trust and its donation management system amid the ongoing row over alleged theft of offerings.
According to sources, the SIT has recommended that individuals linked to the matter should should not leave Ayodhya at this stage, as they may need to be questioned again as the investigation progresses. The team has also sought additional time to carry out a more comprehensive inquiry.
Trust Restructuring, CEO Appointment Suggested
The preliminary report suggests restructuring the Ram Mandir Trust and clearly defining equal responsibility for all its members. The SIT has further recommended the appointment of an administrative officer as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to streamline the trust's functioning and improve institutional accountability.
It has also advocated a more professional approach to temple management and stressed the need for strict adherence to directions issued by the Supreme Court concerning the trust's operations.
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Audit, Monitoring Measures Proposed
To enhance financial monitoring, the SIT has proposed regular audits of donation counting on a weekly or fortnightly basis, along with maintaining daily records of cash offerings received at the temple.
The report has additionally recommended increasing CCTV data storage capacity to ensure stronger surveillance and better record retention.
SIT's Key Recommendations
- Those responsible should not be allowed to leave Ayodhya as they may be required for further questioning during subsequent stages of the probe.
- The Ram Mandir Trust should be restructured, with equal responsibility and accountability fixed for all members.
- An administrative officer should be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the temple trust.
- The Special Investigation Team should be given additional time to conduct a detailed probe.
- A more professional management system should be adopted for temple administration.
- Weekly or fortnightly audits of donation counting should be conducted.
- Daily entries of cash offerings received at the temple should be maintained.
- All directions issued by the Supreme Court regarding the functioning of the trust should be followed in letter and spirit.
- CCTV data storage capacity should be enhanced to strengthen monitoring and record-keeping.
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New Teams, Strict Monitoring In Place; Donation Counting Process Overhauled
Meanwhile, the donation counting process at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir has undergone major changes following recommendations made in the SIT's preliminary report.
Sources said the personnel involved in counting donation money have been replaced. The bank team associated with the counting process has also been changed, while volunteers assigned to the exercise have been given fresh duties. Separate personnel have been deployed for monitoring and supervision.
Authorities have also begun strictly enforcing existing rules and protocols. A dress code system has been introduced, under which only pocketless clothing is allowed inside the counting room. Staff members are now subjected to frisking while exiting the counting area.
Continuous CCTV monitoring has also been strengthened, with dedicated personnel assigned to keep a close watch on surveillance feeds, particularly those covering the counting room.