Karnataka CM orders CCTV cameras in all Muzrai temples after Ram Mandir donation ‘theft’

Belagavi (Karnataka), Jul 9 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday directed officials to install CCTV cameras in all major temples associated with the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Muzrai) Department across the state. The directive comes in the wake of allegations of embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He said the CCTV cameras should operate round-the-clock and cover all areas within the temple, including where money is collected and counted. "The recent development at the Ram Mandir is disrespectful to all of us. All of you (people), out of devotion, have donated bricks, money, gold, silver for the temple. But the major theft that occurred there is mentally humiliating. The things that have happened there in the name of religion are known to everyone," Shivakumar said. Speaking to reporters here, he said that as a precautionary measure, it has been decided to install CCTV cameras inside Muzrai temples across the state. "The CCTV cameras should cover the places where the donation boxes are opened, and the money is brought out and counted. The CCTV cameras should be connected to the SP office, Circle Inspector's office and Deputy Commissioner's office, like a traffic control room dashboard," he added. Stating that all major Muzrai temples should compulsorily have CCTV cameras, the CM said, "The money collected at the temple — when it is counted, when the lock is opened and closed — everything should be captured by the camera, which should be on 24/7. Officials have been asked to take necessary measures in this regard." PTI KSU SSK