Police Intensify Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Probe With Raids on Accused Homes

Police on Sunday conducted simultaneous raids at the residences of all eight people arrested in connection with the alleged misappropriation of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, intensifying the investigation into a case that has sparked widespread political debate and demands for accountability. The raids came days after the registration of a criminal case against the accused, who are alleged to have been involved in irregularities related to the handling of cash and valuables offered by devotees. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence as part of the ongoing probe into the alleged financial misconduct.

The controversy first surfaced on June 7 when Samajwadi Party leader Tej Narayan 'Pawan' Pandey alleged that donations worth between Rs 5 crore and Rs 7.5 crore had been siphoned off from the temple's offerings. The allegations quickly escalated into a major political issue, with opposition parties questioning the management of temple donations and demanding an impartial investigation. In response to the growing controversy, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13 following a request from the Ram Temple trust to examine the allegations.

The SIT conducted a preliminary inquiry in Ayodhya between June 15 and June 20, during which investigators reportedly found prima facie irregularities in the collection, handling and accounting of cash and valuables donated by devotees. Based on the preliminary findings, an FIR was registered against the eight named accused and several unidentified persons under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation is now focused on tracing financial transactions, verifying records and determining the extent of the alleged irregularities.

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Amid the ongoing investigation, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust confirmed on Saturday that its General Secretary, Champat Rai, and trust member Anil Mishra had submitted their resignations. While the trust acknowledged the resignations, it did not elaborate on the reasons or indicate whether they were directly linked to the ongoing investigation. The development has added a new dimension to the controversy, as authorities continue examining the administrative and financial processes related to the management of temple donations.

The alleged irregularities have triggered intense political exchanges, with opposition parties demanding transparency in the administration of one of India's most prominent religious institutions. Meanwhile, investigating agencies have maintained that the probe remains ongoing and that all evidence, including documents, financial records and materials recovered during the raids, will be examined before further legal action is taken. Officials have emphasised that the allegations remain under investigation, and the outcome of the case will depend on the findings of the SIT and subsequent judicial proceedings.

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