Ram Mandir Donation Theft: Champat Rai Statement Recorded, 140 People Under Radar

In a significant development regarding the Ram Mandir donation theft case in Ayodhya, the local police have officially recorded the statement of Champat Rai. Following the registration of the First Information Report (FIR), the Ayodhya Police initiated the process of documenting testimonies from key individuals associated with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Along with Champat Rai, the statement of the original complainant has also been recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.

Scope of the Investigation and Statements

The police have clarified that the recording of Champat Rai's statement was conducted in his capacity as a witness and doesn't constitute a formal interrogation at this stage. This procedural step is part of a much larger exercise, as the investigation team plans to record the statements of approximately 140 individuals. While Champat Rai, the former General Secretary of the Trust, has already provided his account, the statements of other prominent figures like Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao are yet to be recorded. Anil Mishra is a former trustee, and Gopal Rao is also closely associated with the trust's operations.

The list of 140 people whose statements will be documented is extensive. It includes various stakeholders such as other members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, individuals responsible for counting the donations, personnel involved in transporting the offerings to the bank, bank employees, and security guards stationed at the premises. This comprehensive approach aims to create a clear timeline and identify any lapses in the donation management process. Earlier reports suggested that the Ayodhya Police might issue formal notices to Champat Rai, Gopal Rao, and Anil Mishra to record their statements in a manner similar to how the SIT conducts its inquiries.

Raids and Evidence Collection

The investigation gained momentum on Sunday when the Ayodhya Police conducted coordinated raids at 10 different locations. These operations lasted for a duration of 6 to 8 hours, during which the police thoroughly searched the premises of several suspects. Following these raids, family members of some of the accused were detained for questioning to ascertain their involvement or knowledge of the alleged theft.

During the search operations, the police recovered significant evidence, including an undisclosed amount of cash, jewelry, and various financial documents. The seized items include registry agreements, bank passbooks, and bills related to jewelry purchases, while On top of that, the investigation has uncovered information regarding new properties acquired by the accused. It has been observed that several properties were registered under the names of family members, and the police are currently investigating the source of funds used for these acquisitions. The evidence gathered during the raids at the residences of the 8 arrested accused is considered crucial for the prosecution's case.

Legal Proceedings and Supreme Court Update

As the probe intensifies, the 8 accused individuals who were previously arrested are scheduled to be produced in court today. The Ayodhya Police are expected to move an application seeking their police remand to facilitate further interrogation and recovery of stolen assets. The police aim to reach the logical conclusion of the investigation by cross-referencing the statements of the 140 witnesses with the physical evidence recovered.

In a parallel legal development, the Supreme Court of India has weighed in on a petition seeking a court-monitored investigation into the alleged embezzlement of funds within the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust. The petition specifically requested the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, the Supreme Court has refused to grant an urgent hearing on the matter, stating that there is no immediate necessity for such a move, while the apex court has ordered the case to be listed before a regular bench after the conclusion of the court vacations.