Police arrested six of eight suspects linked to a Varanasi-based security firm for allegedly diverting cash donations intended for the Ram Temple [1], [2].
The arrests highlight vulnerabilities in the handling of high-volume religious donations and the risks associated with third-party staffing for financial processing. Because the suspects were hired to count cash, their alleged theft suggests a breach of trust within the operational chain of the temple's collection process.
The suspects were employed by Sainik Security Services, a firm based in Varanasi that operates across 15 states [3]. These individuals were hired by the Ayodhya branch of the State Bank of India specifically to perform cash-counting duties for the donations [1], [2].
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted a probe and found prima facie evidence of systematic cash diversion during the collection process [2], [4]. The investigation indicates that the diversion was not an isolated incident but a coordinated effort to siphon funds before they were officially recorded.
Authorities have recovered ₹79.85 lakh from seven of the eight accused individuals [1]. The total number of accused in the case stands at eight [1].
While the investigation is ongoing, the focus has shifted toward the recruitment and vetting processes of the security agency. The connection to the Varanasi firm is central to the case, as six of the eight arrested men were linked to the company [2], [3].
“Authorities recovered ₹79.85 lakh from seven of the eight accused.”
This incident underscores the security risks inherent in using outsourced labor for the processing of large-scale cash donations. The recovery of nearly ₹80 lakh suggests a significant failure in the auditing and oversight mechanisms at the State Bank of India's Ayodhya branch, potentially prompting a review of how religious trusts and financial institutions manage the custody of physical currency during major pilgrimage events.
