Ayodhya: A major development has emerged in the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with an FIR being registered against eight named accused and several unidentified individuals. The case was filed following recommendations made in the preliminary report of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and on the complaint of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Investigators have now begun a detailed examination of the allegations.
FIR Filed After SIT Report
The FIR was lodged at the Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station on the complaint of Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. According to the complaint, irregularities were allegedly committed in the management of temple donations and related financial transactions, resulting in losses to the Trust. The SIT had recommended registration of a criminal case after reviewing preliminary evidence and records.
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Among those named in the FIR are Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu, Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Manish Yadav, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash, and Karunesh. Authorities have indicated that the identity of one additional accused is still being established. Several unidentified persons have also been included in the case.
Financial Records Under Probe
Investigators said the FIR has been registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including offences related to criminal breach of trust, cheating, and criminal conspiracy. Officials are currently examining financial records, documents, and other evidence to determine the extent of the alleged wrongdoing.
The Uttar Pradesh government constituted the SIT on June 13 after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust sought an inquiry into allegations of misappropriation of donations received at the Ram Temple. The SIT subsequently initiated a preliminary investigation and reviewed available records and documentation before recommending further legal action.
Political Reactions Follow
The controversy had also attracted political attention after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav publicly referred to reports of alleged financial irregularities involving temple donations and urged judicial intervention. The issue subsequently sparked reactions from various political parties and organisations.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) have described the allegations as politically motivated while calling for an impartial investigation. Investigating agencies, however, have maintained that the action is based solely on evidence collected during the preliminary inquiry and the recommendations of the SIT.
Bank Accounts To Be Scrutinised
Sources indicated that the next phase of the investigation may include questioning of the accused, scrutiny of bank accounts, forensic analysis of financial transactions, and an audit of records relating to the collection and management of temple donations. Investigators are also attempting to determine whether the alleged irregularities were the result of individual actions or part of a larger conspiracy.
The case remains under investigation, and none of the allegations have been proven in court. Under the law, all accused persons are presumed innocent unless and until their guilt is established by a competent court. As the probe progresses, further disclosures are expected in what has become one of the most closely watched cases involving the administration of temple donations in recent years.
