Theft during offering count at temple; Employees caught on camera stealing bundles of cash

BENGALURU: Shocking footage has emerged from the Gali Anjaneya Swamy temple in Byatarayanapura, Bengaluru, showing money being stolen during the counting of offerings. The CCTV clips have sparked outrage and protests, with questions being raised about the possible involvement of temple staff.

In the videos, two individuals can be seen counting the money collected in the temple’s offering receptacle. The bundles of cash are placed on a table nearby. During the process, a man in a blue t-shirt, who is standing close to the table, is seen carefully observing those around him. Taking advantage of a moment when no one is paying attention, he discreetly pockets a wad of notes. The same individual is also seen in another video.

The money is later handed over to a temple employee, in another video. Another worker can be seen holding two bundles of cash. In the third video, two temple employees are seen counting the cash and tying it up, while others nearby exchange money in plastic envelopes.

It is still unclear whether the temple management committee members themselves are involved in the embezzlement. The exact date of the incident is yet to be confirmed. However, following the release of the CCTV footage, local residents have begun protesting. The police have registered a case and launched an investigation based on the footage.