UP government guarantees fair investigation into Ayodhya donation scandal
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak guaranteed a completely fair investigation into the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust donation scandal shortly after General Secretary Champat Rai resigned. Rai and trust member Anil Mishra stepped down on Friday to take moral responsibility for the suspected theft of temple funds. Police have already arrested Ram Shankar Yadav, a key suspect, and filed a formal report outlining a coordinated criminal conspiracy.
Similar to the strict financial protocols maintained at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, authorities in Ayodhya are now facing immense public pressure to ensure absolute transparency with devotee offerings.
Suspects Face Strict Legal Action
Authorities officially recorded the complaint on June 25 following a direct report from trust member Krishanmohan. Investigators strongly suspect several employees working at the temple counting site coordinated to steal money donated by loyal devotees. Nine primary suspects face serious charges, alongside other currently unidentified staff members. The Ayodhya Circle Officer now leads the detailed inquiry to uncover the full extent of this financial breach. Police officers provided a digitized copy of the formal complaint to the trust.
Political Tension Heats Up
These recent arrests follow direct claims by former lawmaker Pawan Pandey, who alleged that millions of rupees vanished from the temple collections. The state government responded quickly by forming a Special Investigation Team on June 14 to review the developing situation.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly criticised political rivals for exploiting the ongoing controversy. He declared a strict zero-tolerance policy against anyone attempting to harm the genuine faith of devotees. Adityanath reminded the public that many opposition leaders previously denied the existence of Lord Ram and legally fought the temple construction. He stated that those who historically created social obstacles are now suddenly pretending to care about faith.
With Inputs from Agency Threads and Image Courtesy: ANI
