New Delhi — Surveillance footage released by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday shows five men allegedly involved in the alleged theft of cash and valuables from the Ram Temple construction site in Ayodhya concealing bundles of money inside their clothing, including socks and jackets.
The video, which the ED says was captured on a CCTV camera at the temple’s “Puja Mandap” on March 30, depicts the five suspects walking in a line, each repeatedly tucking what appear to be tightly wrapped cash bundles into the folds of their garments. In several frames, a man can be seen slipping a bundle into a sock before pulling the sock up over his shoe.
According to the ED’s statement, the footage was part of a broader investigation into a “cash‑theft” that allegedly occurred on the night of March 30, when investigators say a large amount of cash and gold jewellery, meant for the temple’s fund, went missing. The agency claims the five men, identified by the ED as suspects, were later arrested in connection with the case.
The ED has not disclosed the exact amount of cash shown in the video, but earlier reports indicated that the missing cash was “in the range of several crore rupees.” The agency said the video corroborates “the presence of the accused at the site and their attempt to conceal the stolen cash.”
The footage has reignited public debate over the handling of funds at the contested religious site, which has been under intense political and legal scrutiny since the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict that cleared the way for the construction of a Ram Temple. Critics have called for greater transparency in the temple’s financial management, while supporters argue that the allegations are being politicised.
Analysis:
The release of the CCTV clip appears aimed at bolstering the ED’s case by providing visual evidence of the suspects’ actions. While the video shows individuals moving cash‑laden items into their clothing, it does not, on its own, prove the money was stolen from the temple or that the men were acting on behalf of any organized group. The investigation will need to establish a chain of custody for the cash, link it to the missing funds, and demonstrate the suspects’ intent.
The episode also highlights broader concerns about financial oversight at large religious projects funded by public donations and government grants. If the allegations are substantiated, they could prompt stricter auditing requirements for temple trusts and increased scrutiny of how donations are stored and accounted for. Conversely, premature conclusions based on the footage could inflame communal tensions, given the temple’s symbolic importance. Authorities have urged the public to await the outcome of the formal investigation before forming judgments.
Sources
Indian Express, “Ram Temple ‘theft’ row: Footage shows 5 accused hiding cash in clothes, socks,” https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ram-temple-theft-row-footage-accused-hiding-cash-bundles-10768710/
Story synopsis gathered from: Indian Express – India — source
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