Srimandir Hundi theft: SJTA to scan all CCTV counting footage

Puri: All CCTV footage during counting of the donation money of the Srimandir Hundi will be examined and action would be taken if any ill practice by the temple staff is found.

Srimandir Niti Prasasak Pradeep Dash said this today, a day after the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) suspended staff Uma Rath for stealing donation money from the Srimandir Hundi during counting.

“The staff immediately informed me about the incidence over phone, following which I talked to the SJTA Chief and gave the suspension order. He was on the duty for the last three days. I have received the CCTV footage. I will also verify the previous CCTV counting footage available with us and report to the SJTA chief accordingly,” said Dash.

Notably, while the donation money of the main Hundi of Srimandir that is kept at Nata Mandir was being counted at Navikata Mandap last evening, Rath allegedly took some notes and put those in his pocket. Some other staff caught him red-handed and informed the matter to the SJTA after scanning the CCTV footage. The SJTA later suspended Rath.