Ayodhya Ram Temple NEW DELHI: A private security agency, six of whose recruits are among the eight people arrested in the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation “theft” case, on Wednesday denied any involvement in the alleged embezzlement of offerings, saying it had deployed personnel for the State Bank of India (SBI) at the bank’s request.The clarification came amid the ongoing probe into the case by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has made the arrests.SBI, which maintains the temple trust’s account, had outsourced the task of counting donation funds to Varanasi-based Sainik Security Services.Gaurav Singh, director of Sainik Security Services, said the company had recruited 22 personnel and deployed them at SBI’s Ayodhya branch for housekeeping work, adding that it had no role in assigning their duties thereafter.“Our company has nothing to do with the alleged donation theft at the Ram temple. We recruited 22 people and sent them to the SBI branch in Ayodhya for housekeeping work. What work the bank assigned to them thereafter is not known to us,” Singh told PTI.“We were engaged only to provide housekeeping staff to SBI. What duties these employees eventually performed and why they performed them is for the bank to explain,” he added.He further claimed that all 22 personnel were recruited on the instructions of the chief manager of SBI’s Ayodhya branch.“The chief manager of the SBI branch in Ayodhya had sent us the list of names and biodata of these 22 people. They were all earlier working with another agency,” Singh stated.According to reports, the bank had sought to replace the outsourced cash-counting staff at the Ram Temple around three months ago after suspecting irregularities in the handling of donations. However, members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust reportedly did not allow the staff to be changed.The alleged embezzlement came to light after an SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government submitted its preliminary findings, following which an FIR was registered on June 25.Arrests followed, and nearly Rs 80 lakh in cash, along with some foreign currency, has been recovered so far from six of the accused.The investigation is underway.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAkhilesh Yadav’s Trusted Aide Kamal Akhtar Loses Key SP Post As UP’s Moradabad Turf War SpiralsOne Year After Operation Sindoor, 117 Indian And Pakistani Leaders Urge Peace And DialogueRam Temple Donation Theft: Police Reveal Alleged Inside Operation Behind Crores HeistJuly 1 Rule Changes Explained: Costlier Passports, Free Aadhaar Updates, EPFO And ITR DeadlinesWhy Thousands Are Visiting Lohagad Fort’s Alleged Murder Spot | ‘Siya Point’ |Dark Tourism ExplainedUS Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Birthright Order, Big Relief For Indians In USBilawal Bhutto Accuses India Of ‘Weaponising’ Water Amid Indus Waters Treaty RowDelhi May Soon Get Its Own London Eye As DDA Revives Giant Observation Wheel ProjectWhy Nayara Reduced Fuel Prices But PSU Oil Companies Didn’t?Dhaka Threatens Action Against Media Airing Sheikh Hasina’s Statements After Return Claim123PhotostoriesPsychology says parents who stay calm during tantrums help children learn emotional regulationPsychology says people-pleasing is a trauma response, and you don’t even know itFrom Naan to Khulcha: 12 popular Indian breads, their calories and what they taste best with8 Most beautiful train journeys in South India you should take at least onceAlia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh rewrite promotional style rules with sharp denim cuts and a striking diamond ring6 lakes in India with clear, mirror-like water that deserves a visitKidney disease symptoms are often vague, says Mayo Clinic: These 8 signs can appear when your kidneys lose functionFrom John Cena to Wayne Rooney: 12 stars on their hair transplant journeys.Success quote of the day by Pelé: ‘I don’t believe there is such a thing as a “born” soccer player”Self-medication with the wrong eye drops is a key reason eye infections spike during the monsoon,’ expert warns123Hot PicksLPG gas priceCBSE best marks ruleNEET PG RegistrationRam Temple donation theftMumbai RainsNew visa ruleMarcus SmartNayara petrol priceHow to Watch FIFA World Cup TodayTop TrendingNayara energy petrol priceLPG priceKetan Agarwal Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovIndigo Check-in Bag FaresAyodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft
NEW DELHI: A private security agency, six of whose recruits are among the eight people arrested in the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation “theft” case, on Wednesday denied any involvement in the alleged embezzlement of offerings, saying it had deployed personnel for the State Bank of India (SBI) at the bank’s request.The clarification came amid the ongoing probe into the case by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has made the arrests.SBI, which maintains the temple trust’s account, had outsourced the task of counting donation funds to Varanasi-based Sainik Security Services.Gaurav Singh, director of Sainik Security Services, said the company had recruited 22 personnel and deployed them at SBI’s Ayodhya branch for housekeeping work, adding that it had no role in assigning their duties thereafter.“Our company has nothing to do with the alleged donation theft at the Ram temple. We recruited 22 people and sent them to the SBI branch in Ayodhya for housekeeping work. What work the bank assigned to them thereafter is not known to us,” Singh told PTI.“We were engaged only to provide housekeeping staff to SBI. What duties these employees eventually performed and why they performed them is for the bank to explain,” he added.He further claimed that all 22 personnel were recruited on the instructions of the chief manager of SBI’s Ayodhya branch.“The chief manager of the SBI branch in Ayodhya had sent us the list of names and biodata of these 22 people. They were all earlier working with another agency,” Singh stated.According to reports, the bank had sought to replace the outsourced cash-counting staff at the Ram Temple around three months ago after suspecting irregularities in the handling of donations. However, members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust reportedly did not allow the staff to be changed.The alleged embezzlement came to light after an SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government submitted its preliminary findings, following which an FIR was registered on June 25.Arrests followed, and nearly Rs 80 lakh in cash, along with some foreign currency, has been recovered so far from six of the accused.The investigation is underway.(With PTI inputs)
