Ayodhya Donation Theft Probe: SIT Grills Gopal Rao for Hours, Turns Focus to Trust's Land Deals The SIT has questioned Ram Mandir Trust member Gopal Rao for 7 hours and widened its probe into the trust's land deals, with the July 6 trust meeting now seen as a decisive moment in the donation theft case. 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. What this means for you • Across India: Devotees who donate to the Ram Mandir will be watching how this probe affects trust and accountability around temple donations, which could lead to tighter oversight of donation systems at major temples. • In Ayodhya: Locally, the SIT's widening scrutiny of temple staff, trust officials and land deals could mean more questioning and action against those linked to the case in the coming days. Questions & Answers 1. Why was Gopal Rao questioned? The SIT questioned Gopal Rao for around 7 hours over land, houses purchased by the trust and the payment process involved. 2. How much money has been recovered so far? The probe has so far recovered 20 lakh rupees in cash, 1121 dollars and jewellery, and combined with cash found during raids, the total recovery has reached around 80 lakh rupees. 3. Who is Avinash Shukla and what happened with his remand? Avinash Shukla is the main accused in the case and a 13-hour remand has been approved for him. 4. What did the 45 days of CCTV footage reveal? Footage from the Pilgrim Facility Centre showed that five of the eight arrested employees, who counted notes, were hiding bundles of cash in their clothes or socks. 5. Why is the July 6 meeting considered so important? The meeting could see show cause notices issued to trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Dr. Anil Mishra, which will determine the next course of action. 6. How long did Thursday's investigation last? The SIT conducted an investigation in Ayodhya on Thursday from 1:40 pm to 8:30 pm, lasting around 8 hours. 7. Why was a notice sent to accused Lavkush's wife? A notice was sent to Lavkush's wife regarding a construction. https://trendkia.com/en/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-dana-chori-jancha-gopal-rao-se-ghnton-puchhatachha-aba-jamina-saudon-para-sit-ki-paini-najara-4293 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.