Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft: SIT seeks asset details of Champat Rai

NEW DELHI: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of donations from the Ayodhya Ram Temple has sought the asset details of Champat Rai, former General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and Vice President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The SIT has asked him to submit his financial records and other related documents. Investigators are also examining whether any transactions were carried out through benami names.

The SIT has also sought the asset details of former trust member Anil Mishra and trust administrator Gopal Rao. Officials are considering a re-audit of the trust's audit reports as part of the investigation. Meanwhile, the Ayodhya Sant Mandal has come out in support of Champat Rai, describing him as a person known for transparency and integrity. The group urged the trust not to accept his resignation as General Secretary. The trust is scheduled to hold a meeting on this coming Monday, and reports suggest that if his resignation is accepted, he could face arrest soon after.

According to preliminary findings of the investigation, the accused allegedly misappropriated up to Rs 8 lakh a day from temple donations. Police said one of the accused, Avinash Shukla, told investigators that the stolen money was brought to a park near the temple and divided among those involved. The SIT later took him to the location to collect evidence. A Maruti Brezza SUV allegedly purchased using the stolen donation money has also been seized.

In the meantime, a public interest litigation has also been filed before the Supreme Court seeking an audit of the donations received by the temple. The petition, filed by RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, has sought a court-monitored CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities.

Dwarka Shankaracharya lashes out at trust

Dwaraka Sharada Peetham Shankaracharya Swami Sadanand Saraswati criticised the trust, alleging that unqualified people had become part of its administration. He said lower-level employees should not be made scapegoats to protect those actually responsible. He also accused the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments of treating the Ram Temple as a tourism project.

Gold ornaments melted and converted into biscuits?

The SIT is also investigating whether the stolen gold ornaments donated to the temple were melted and converted into gold biscuits. A large portion of the missing jewellery is yet to be recovered. Investigators are collecting details of all gold and silver ornaments, diamonds and other valuables received by the temple as donations.

Nitin Nabin meets Yogi Adityanath

Meanwhile, BJP national president Nitin Nabin met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday. Although no official details were released, sources indicated that the Ayodhya issue was among the topics discussed.