Ram Temple Donation Probe: FIR Filed Amid Allegations of Embezzlement
An FIR has been registered at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station in Ayodhya based on a complaint from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust against eight individuals on charges of embezzlement, fraud, criminal conspiracy, and breach of trust. The case pertains to missing donations collected for the Ram Temple trust.
The FIR follows a preliminary investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a written complaint by Krishna Mohan, a trust member. The case invokes multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61, and 3(5).
Uttar Pradesh Congress unit president Ajay Rai alleged that the FIR is a move to silence devotees' anger, claiming the state government is shielding influential figures like Champat Rai. “Orders have been issued to register an FIR, but only drivers and minor accused are named. The real culprits, including Champat Rai and other trust members who oversaw donation collection, are being protected. Such a large-scale theft cannot occur without their involvement given the security and police presence,” Rai said.
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) international president Alok Kumar called for a comprehensive investigation and strict legal action against those found guilty of irregularities in donations.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on June 19 that “truth will prevail” after the SIT completes its probe. He appealed to political parties to avoid baseless comments until the investigation concludes.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav urged the court to take cognisance of reports alleging crores of rupees missing from donations offered at the Ram Temple.
