Day Seven of the Probe: Report on the Verge of Submission
The alleged embezzlement from the donation boxes of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has reached a decisive stage. Today marks the seventh day of the inquiry, and the Special Investigation Team is required to hand a preliminary report to the government upon completing seven days. During the past six days, the SIT has questioned approximately 200 people. Those called in include workers who collected money from the donation boxes and transported it to the counting centre, staff responsible for counting the cash, individuals who bundled the notes, and officials who supervised the entire process.
Three Years of Financial Records Placed Under the Scanner
The SIT has separately obtained three years of data from both the Ram Mandir Trust and the bank. Bank officials were summoned and questioned on which dates donations were deposited into Ram Lalla's account, who made each deposit, how many bundles were involved, and what denomination notes were used. The team has also taken possession of the ledger books maintained by both the bank and the Ram Mandir Trust.
Six Accused Questioned, Three More Names Surface with Contradictory Statements
In addition to the six primary accused in the case, Ram Shankar Yadav alias Teenu, Dr. Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao were each grilled for several hours. Multiple contradictions emerged across their statements, prompting the SIT to requisition additional documents from the Ram Mandir Trust. Sources say the SIT has already finalised its report. According to its findings, action is likely against seven sevaadars currently serving at the Ram Temple, along with Trust member Dr. Anil Mishra, Ram Shankar Yadav, and special invitee member Gopal Rao.
Questions Raised Over General Secretary Champat Rai's Role
Ram Mandir Trust General Secretary Champat Rai has also come under scrutiny. The investigation has repeatedly surfaced the finding that information about the alleged donation irregularities was brought to the General Secretary's attention on multiple occasions, yet no concrete steps were taken by him in response.
CCTV Footage Tampering Also Under Investigation
Experts from Delhi and Lucknow have been brought to the Ram Temple premises to investigate whether the CCTV footage was manipulated. They are working to determine if any tampering took place and, if so, which period's recordings were deleted. Sources indicate that action against several Ram Mandir Trust officials is now considered almost certain. The SIT is expected to remain in Ayodhya for a few more days and will submit its report to the Chief Minister on Monday, after which concrete action is anticipated.
