Ram temple trust orders 100% staff verification amid stepped-up security
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to carry out 100 per cent verification of all staff working at the Ram temple in Ayodhya as part of strengthened security measures, sources said on Thursday.
The verification process will include police checks, character certificates and detailed information about employees' family members and relatives, they said.
The Trust has made police verification and character certificates issued by the police mandatory for temple staff.
The decision comes amid increased security and administrative measures following the theft of offerings at the temple reported in June this year. Eight people were arrested in connection with the case and are currently in jail. A 70,000-page chargesheet was filed last week.
The verification drive is being carried out under the supervision of newly appointed temple CEO and retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra, who took charge last month.
The temple administration has also undergone a major restructuring, with former general secretary Champat Rai and Trust members Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao being relieved of their responsibilities.
Trust member Dinendra Das said the decisions taken by the Trust would be accepted by everyone associated with the temple.
"Whatever decision the Trust takes will be accepted by everyone. The worship rituals are proceeding smoothly, donations are being received properly and a large number of devotees are visiting the temple for darshan and aarti," Das told PTI Videos.
The Trust has also increased monitoring of its staff and is working to improve facilities for devotees as part of the broader administrative overhaul. (with inputs from PTI)
