Akhilesh Yadav Demands Judicial Probe into Ram Temple Donation Theft

The political temperature in Uttar Pradesh has soared as Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav launched a blistering attack on the BJP over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Demanding more than just symbolic resignations, Yadav has called for the immediate dissolution of the entire trust, a high-level judicial inquiry, and stringent accountability for those in power.

Accountability Beyond the Driver: Who is the Real Mastermind

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Akhilesh Yadav criticized the ongoing investigation, labeling the police's approach as suspiciously lenient. "If the driver is caught, the owner must also be held accountable," Yadav asserted, questioning the integrity of reports that seem to clear key suspects. He alleged that if the Call Detail Records (CDRs) of those linked to the temple management were scrutinized, it would expose deep-seated corruption, suggesting that the BJP's internal circles are deeply implicated in this financial scandal.

'Change the Entire Structure, Not Just the Template'

The SP chief emphasized that the issue goes beyond a single theft; it is a systemic failure. Yadav argued that the entire trust governing the temple should be dissolved to allow for a complete review of its operations and recent land deals. He demanded a judicial probe into all financial decisions and contracts signed by officials who have recently resigned. "Not just the structure, but the entire trust must be dissolved," he stated, warning that the "game of giving clean chits to each other" must come to an immediate halt as it concerns the faith of 1.4 billion Indians.

Strict Measures and Travel Bans Demanded

Yadav’s demands are specific and far-reaching. Beyond the investigation, he has urged the authorities to place the accused under strict monitoring and impose a travel ban to prevent them from fleeing abroad. In a sharp rhetorical swipe at the ruling party, he declared, "Whoever supports the BJP is a killer of Ram," signaling a fierce battle of narratives over the sanctity of the Ayodhya shrine.

SIT Intensifies Custody Interrogation

Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has secured a 40-hour custody remand for the three primary accused: Anukul Mishra, Luvkush Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey. Investigations have taken a dramatic turn following revelations that Anukul Mishra was on the verge of finalizing a ₹2 crore land deal just before the theft was exposed. Police are now rigorously interrogating the accused to trace the source of these funds and determine if the theft was part of a larger conspiracy. Security remains exceptionally tight at police lines, where the interrogation is currently underway.