Ram Mandir donation scam: Champat Rai, Anil Mishra step down from Trust amid SIT probe
Eight accused arrested, including trust staff. CCTV footage shows alleged misappropriation of cash and jewellery. Police say counting in-charge and others masterminded the conspiracy
Ayodhya (The Uttam Hindu) : The case of alleged irregularities in offerings to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple took a new turn on Friday. Following the registration of an FIR based on the SIT's preliminary investigation report, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Dr. Anil Mishra resigned from their posts. It is reported that both have decided to step aside from their duties until the investigation is complete, in order to maintain fairness and transparency.
Meanwhile, Mahant Kamalnayan Das, successor to trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, said he had not received any official information regarding the resignations. However, the entire nation is closely monitoring the activities of the trust and investigating agencies.
Eight accused arrested, preparations to send them to jail
Police have arrested all eight accused named in the offering theft case. After medical examinations, they were produced before a remand magistrate and the process of sending them to jail in judicial custody has begun. Police say the investigation has been expedited and the SIT's preliminary report will be included in the investigation. Officials claim that further action will continue based on the available evidence.
On the other hand, opposition parties have raised questions over not including the name of any senior official of the trust in the FIR and have demanded an impartial investigation.
FIR lodged after 19 days
Nineteen days after the donation theft case came to light and two days after the SIT's recommendation, the police filed an FIR. The case has been registered against Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu, the driver of Trust General Secretary Champat Rai; Anukalp Mishra, a relative of trustee Dr. Anil Mishra; Lavkush Mishra; counting personnel Manish Yadav, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra; counting in-charge Subhash Srivastava; and other unidentified individuals. All have been accused of misappropriating donations and valuables as part of a well-planned conspiracy.
Confirmation of irregularities in cash and jewellery worth crores
The SIT's preliminary investigation claims to have confirmed the alleged misappropriation of cash and gold and silver jewelry worth crores of rupees. During the investigation, approximately Rs. 3 crore was recovered at the behest of the accused. A detailed investigation will now clarify the total amount and value of the missing jewelry and other precious metals.
CCTV footage became important evidence
According to investigating agencies, CCTV footage from the temple premises allegedly shows several of the accused committing theft. Based on interrogations and technical evidence, counting in-charge Subhash Srivastava and Ramshankar Yadav, alias Tinnu, are believed to be the masterminds of the entire conspiracy. It is alleged that other individuals were also involved in this alleged conspiracy by taking advantage of their counting duties and arrangements. Police are now investigating the entire network based on CCTV footage, recovered materials, and other evidence.