Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared a zero-tolerance policy against the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. Speaking at a public rally in Deoria, Adityanath confirmed the swift arrest of eight individuals involved in handling temple offerings, following preliminary findings by a state-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT).
SIT Investigation Leads to Arrests
The state government formed a three-member SIT on June 13 after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust requested a formal inquiry into the matter. Allegations surfaced that between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore in cash and valuable offerings, contributed by devotees globally, had been siphoned off by staff members responsible for counting donations from temple dropboxes.
Following the SIT's initial recommendations, an FIR was registered at the behest of trust member Krishna Mohan. This led to the immediate arrest of eight named individuals: Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava, and Ram Shankar Yadav.
Charges Against the Accused
The arrested individuals face serious charges under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Theft by a clerk or servant
- Criminal breach of trust
- Receiving stolen property
- Criminal conspiracy
Additionally, charges have been filed under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
CM Adityanath's Strong Stance
Chief Minister Adityanath reiterated his commitment to an uncompromised investigation, assuring the public that the rule of law would apply strictly to anyone found guilty of misappropriating the sacred funds. "Playing with public sentiment is unacceptable. Whoever tampers with the faith of Sanatan Dharma will have to face the consequences. No one can be given any exemption," Adityanath stated.
He also used the opportunity to criticize political opponents who had questioned the management of temple funds, referencing their past stances on the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Adityanath emphasized Ayodhya's role as a symbol of unity and dignity for India's Sanatan Dharma.
Ayodhya Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover confirmed that the accused remain in police custody and will be presented before the court after preliminary questioning.