Ayodhya temple donation case: Champat Rai not named for criminal action in SIT report

NEW DELHI: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s former general secretary and VHP leader Champat Rai has not been named for criminal action in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report into the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. The SIT’s preliminary report, submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government on June 23, did not name Rai in connection with the alleged theft. The findings also led to the registration of a police case against eight people, including those involved in counting the offerings, who were subsequently arrested.

The report pointed to administrative and supervisory lapses at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in the handling of donations. Former trust member Anil Mishra was also questioned in connection with the matter, with the report raising concerns over his supervisory role, rather than naming him among those accused of stealing the donations.

The trust had filed a complaint with the police based on the preliminary SIT findings, following which eight people were arrested. They are currently in jail. The Uttar Pradesh government later extended the SIT’s probe, and the investigation subsequently underwent changes following directions from the Supreme Court. The SIT was reconstituted with Inspector General of Police Kiran S as its head.

Malayali in SIT

The Uttar Pradesh government had constituted the original three-member SIT on June 13 after the alleged theft came to light. Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police, Lucknow Range, Kiran S, who is a malayali, and Finance Special Secretary Neel Ratan Kumar were members of the team.

The SIT submitted its preliminary report on June 23. Based on its findings, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust filed a complaint with the police, following which eight accused were arrested. They are currently in jail.

The preliminary findings also highlighted shortcomings in supervision and security arrangements, including issues relating to the monitoring and handling of donations. The subsequent developments in the case led to the SIT probe being extended and later reconstituted.