Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case: Ayodhya Police Set to Interrogate 5 Accused in Jail
The investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Mandir has intensified, with Ayodhya police securing official court permission to conduct in-custody interrogations. Starting this Sunday, authorities will question five key suspects—Anukalp Mishra, Luvkush Mishra, Ramshankar Yadav (alias Tinnu), Karunesh Pandey, and Manish Yadav—directly at the local jail. Investigators hope these sessions will uncover critical details regarding the total amount embezzled and potential links to other high-level accomplices, following the recovery of unexplained cash and jewelry from several employees' residences.
From Initial Denial to SIT Investigation
The scandal first erupted in early June when Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav raised concerns over the management of temple offerings. While initial reports from the temple administration dismissed the allegations, the situation took a serious turn after evidence of tampered CCTV footage emerged, alongside the discovery of suspicious assets held by temple staff. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the state government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13, which fast-tracked its findings and submitted a comprehensive report within a week.
Resignations and Political Accountability
The fallout from the SIT report has led to significant administrative restructuring within the temple management. Notable officials, including Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, have submitted their resignations, while Gopala Rao has been removed from his position—though his recent appearance performing rituals has sparked further public debate. The police have already executed eight arrests in connection with the FIR filed post-SIT report, and this upcoming round of interrogations is expected to be a turning point in the case.
Opposition Intensifies Pressure on BJP and RSS
The investigation has become a major flashpoint in national politics. Opposition parties, led by the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, have launched a scathing attack on the BJP and the RSS, labeling the SIT probe a "sham." Critics allege that the investigation has been limited to junior employees to shield high-ranking officials and those close to the temple trust. As the controversy continues to unfold, opposition leaders are demanding a broader, impartial inquiry, accusing the Modi government of evading responsibility for the lapses that allowed the alleged theft to occur under its watch.
