Police on Sunday morning carried out simultaneous raids on the residences of all eight people arrested amid allegations of irregularities in fundraising for a Ram temple, which escalated into a major controversy, leading to political rows, police action and calls for accountability.
Meanwhile, the Ram Temple Association on Saturday confirmed that its general secretary, Champat Rai, and member Anil Mishra have tendered their resignations.
The controversy first surfaced on June 7 when Samajwadi Party leader Tej Narayan “Pawan” Pandey claimed the donations were worth… $5 Crores $Rs 7.5 crore has been withdrawn from the temple offerings.
Read also | Metals’ role in reconciling Sia and Ketan amid the Byun murder investigation: ‘I never expected she could do this’
On June 13, the state government set up the Special Investigation Team at the request of the Temple Trust. The committee conducted a preliminary investigation in Ayodhya between June 15 and 20 and observed apparent irregularities in the handling of cash and valuables offered by devotees.
An FIR has been registered against the eight named accused and other unidentified persons under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Those arrested have been identified as Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinu, a close aide of Rai. Avinash Shukla; Anukalp Mishra; Lakush Mishra; Subhash Srivastava; Ramashankar Mishra; Manish Yadav; And Karunesh Pandey. Anukalp Mishra and Lavkush Mishra are linked to each other and so is Anil Mishra.
Police teams arrived at the homes of the accused at around 7am and began extensive searches and interrogations as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to officers, six police teams carried out the coordinated operation simultaneously at different locations linked to the accused. Investigators questioned family members about the activities, financial transactions, and potential associates of the accused. They also communicated with neighbors to collect information about the detainees, their movements, their visitors, and any suspicious activities that could assist in the investigation.
Read also | Explosions and a 90-minute gun battle: How the terrorist attack that killed 4 Pakistani soldiers in Karachi was revealed
The eight defendants are currently in judicial custody.
Investigators are checking whether there are additional people involved in the alleged plot and are collecting more evidence to strengthen the case.
In an attempt to reassure worshipers, the foundation said it remains committed to ensuring a fair and transparent investigation. She added: “We are shocked, pained and deeply saddened by the events reported over the past few days… and we assure everyone that we will take measures to prevent any such unfortunate situation from occurring in the future.”
She urged people not to be influenced by “rumours or misinformation” and explained that the sanctity of the temple remains intact.
“We assure everyone that no irreparable damage has been done to the sanctity of the temple. We request all devotees not to be misled by rumours, misinformation or false propaganda. Such attempts cannot shake Sanatan Dharma, the temple or the faith of millions of devotees,” the statement said.
