The controversy surrounding the alleged embezzlement of donation funds at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir has escalated significantly. According to sources close to TrendKia, amid the unfolding probe, three prominent officials of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust are reportedly considering stepping down from their positions. Concurrently, the legal net is tightening around several bank employees and staff members responsible for counting and managing the cash, with individuals including Tinnu Yadav facing potential arrest.
SIT Investigation Enters Sixth Day with Focus on CCTV Tampering
The SIT is continuing its rigorous investigation inside the temple premises for the sixth consecutive day. According to TrendKia sources, the investigative committee has detected signs of tampering with the temple's CCTV footage, prompting a decision to conduct a forensic analysis. The SIT is currently working to retrieve deleted past records, and CCTV technical experts have been summoned to the Ram Janmabhoomi complex to assist with the recovery process.
The probe on its fifth day saw extensive questioning of several key figures. The interrogation is being conducted in separate rooms, with the entire process being documented through video recording. Dr. Anil Mishra, a trustee and specially invited member, along with Ram Shankar Yadav Tillu, Gopal Rao, and several bank employees, have been thoroughly questioned by the investigative agency.
Akhilesh Yadav's Sharp Criticism and Ayodhya MP's Scheduled Visit
SP President and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has issued a strong statement regarding the incident, demanding regular public briefings on the progress of the donation theft investigation. He also highlighted recent reports of financial irregularities in Mathura, describing them as highly serious and calling for a credible high-level probe.
He asserted that Ayodhya would prove to be a Kurukshetra for "great sinners," stating that the BJP's politics began here and will ultimately end here. He added that the theft of donations, offerings, and foundation stones has negatively impacted the footfall of devotees, hurting their faith. This, he noted, has had a direct adverse effect on the local economy and the income of the common citizens of Ayodhya, questioning why the public should pay for the mistakes of the administration.
In the midst of these developments, Ayodhya MP Awadhesh Prasad is scheduled to visit the Ram Mandir today at approximately 12:00 PM to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Ram.
CM's Visit and Local Support for the Probe
Amid the ongoing controversy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the temple to offer prayers to Ram Lalla. He was guided through the temple complex by trust member Dinendra Das. Following his prayers, the Chief Minister personally offered a donation envelope, pulling it from his pocket and placing it into the temple's donation box.
Welcoming the SIT investigation, Iqbal Ansari, a former litigant in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute and a prominent local resident, expressed his complete faith in the Uttar Pradesh government and the Chief Minister. He noted that during the Chief Minister's visit to Ayodhya, it was made clear that an SIT had been formed to ensure an unbiased investigation. Ansari urged the residents of Ayodhya to trust the Chief Minister, expressing confidence that strict action would be taken and that a transparent investigation would bring the complete truth to light.
Investigation Extends to Land Transactions
The scope of the SIT probe has widened beyond the immediate donation funds. Sources indicate that the investigators have summoned all documents related to recent land acquisitions in the area. The agency is specifically looking into properties purchased in the Ramkot locality, reviewing associated bank transactions and examining the role of intermediaries. The investigative team has reportedly secured several vital clues during their interactions with Dr. Anil Mishra, Ram Shankar Yadav Tillu, Gopal Rao, and the bank staff.
