The investigation into the alleged donation theft at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir has taken a fresh turn, with the Special Investigation Team turning its attention to the trust's land deals. Gopal Rao, a special invitee member of the Ram Mandir Trust, was questioned for nearly 7 hours, days after trustee Dr. Anil Mishra faced a similar round of questioning. Meanwhile, a 13-hour remand has been approved for main accused Avinash Shukla, giving investigators more time to press him for answers.
Gopal Rao Questioned Over Land Purchases
In the second phase of questioning, the SIT grilled Gopal Rao in detail about land and houses bought by the trust, the payment process involved, and the related paperwork. The team has also sought complete records of these transactions. Sources say witnesses connected to the land deals are likely to be summoned next, as the SIT continues combing through documents and financial transactions.
Recoveries So Far
The probe has so far led to the recovery of 20 lakh rupees in cash, 1121 dollars and some jewellery. Bank accounts and lockers belonging to all 8 arrested accused and their family members are also being examined. A notice has been sent to the wife of accused Lavkush over a construction. Separately, police raided locations pointed out by the accused and recovered additional cash, taking the total recovery so far to around 80 lakh rupees.
What 45 Days Of Footage Revealed
According to police sources, a close review of roughly 45 days of CCTV footage from the Ram Mandir's Pilgrim Facility Centre showed that five of the eight arrested employees, who were tasked with counting notes, were repeatedly pulling out bundles of cash and hiding them in their clothes or socks. Acting on this footage, police questioned the accused and searched the spots they pointed to, recovering cash from those locations too.
An 8 Hour Marathon Probe On Thursday
On Thursday, the SIT carried out a marathon 8 hour investigation in Ayodhya, running from 1:40 pm to 8:30 pm. IPS officer Kiran S was present as the team reached the temple premises for a thorough search. There was also talk of trust officials being questioned during this stretch.
Why The July 6 Trust Meeting Is Being Called Decisive
All eyes are now on the Ram Mandir Trust meeting scheduled for July 6. Sources indicate that trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Dr. Anil Mishra could be issued show cause notices at this meeting, with both officials expected to be asked for written and oral clarifications. Under the trust's own process, no action can be taken against any office bearer without first obtaining such an explanation. Only after their responses are received will the trust decide its next course of action under its bylaws. Should the explanations be found unsatisfactory, options including seeking resignation or removal from the post could be considered. Sources add that any final decision will require the necessary majority as laid down under the trust's rules, which is why the July 6 meeting is being seen as a decisive moment in the case.
