Ram Temple Donation Theft: SIT Probes 200 Crore Scam Allegations, No FIR Yet

The controversy surrounding the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, has intensified, causing deep distress and anger among millions of devotees across India. The public outcry is directed at those accused of stealing offerings meant for the deity. Despite the recovery of 2 crore rupees and the initiation of an investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered even after ten days and three formal complaints. This delay has raised serious questions about who is preventing the legal process and what factors are contributing to the hesitation in filing an FIR.

SIT Conducts Intensive Eight Hour Investigation

Following days of allegations and heated statements, the SIT has officially commenced its probe. On Monday, the team began its investigation at 2:50 PM and remained inside the Ram Temple premises until approximately 10:30 PM. During this eight-hour marathon session, the SIT scrutinized CCTV footage installed near all donation boxes (Dan Patras). They gathered detailed information regarding the process of extracting cash from these boxes and the subsequent counting procedures. The team also examined documents dating back to 2021 to identify any long-term discrepancies.

Questioning of Trust Officials and Bank Staff

As part of the investigation, the SIT questioned 36 individuals, including several officials of the Ram Temple Trust and employees from the associated banks. Gopalji Rao, a special invitee member of the Ram Temple Trust, underwent rigorous questioning for over two hours. Despite the increased pace of the investigation, no arrests have been made following the first day of the probe. However, the pressure is mounting as formal written complaints continue to be submitted to the police.

Three Complaints and Five Major Updates

In the last 24 hours, three separate complaints have been filed regarding the donation scam, leading to five significant updates in the case. Firstly, three written complaints have been officially submitted. Secondly, Santosh Dubey, a figure associated with the Ram Mandir movement, has alleged the theft of sacred stones (Shilas) in his complaint, while thirdly, the SIT has held high-level meetings with the SSP and DM of Ayodhya. Fourthly, Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu, has publicly denied all allegations, offering his property for investigation. Finally, the Congress party has demanded a probe by a High Court judge.

Allegations of 200 Crore Embezzlement

The three complaints come from diverse quarters: Santosh Dubey, Abhinav Singh (head of UP Karni Sena), and the Youth Congress, while these complaints bring forward startling claims, including the disappearance of large quantities of gold, silver, and jewelry along with cash. It's alleged that trust officials and employees have embezzled more than 200 crore rupees. The complainants have demanded the registration of an FIR, immediate arrests, and polygraph tests for the accused. Specific names mentioned in the allegations include Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, Gopalji Rao, and Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu. The Youth Congress has further demanded the dissolution of the trust and the removal of powers from current officials.

Defense of Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu

Ram Shankar Yadav, who faces significant scrutiny, has broken his silence. He claims he's being targeted solely due to his proximity to Champat Rai. Tinnu stated that he has not committed any theft and is ready for any investigation, including a probe into his personal assets. Speaking to the media, he clarified that he continues to visit the temple and that all CCTV footage is available for verification. He also mentioned that his nephew, Manish, worked at the temple and should also be part of the investigation, promising full cooperation with the SIT.

The Six Key Characters in the Scam

The investigation has highlighted six primary individuals under the scanner. The first is Lavkush Mishra, a member of the counting team and relative of Anukul Mishra, from whose house 5 lakh rupees were reportedly recovered. The second is Anukul Mishra, the head of the counting team and nephew of Anil Mishra, who is under fire for purchasing a house worth 65 lakh rupees. The third is Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu, a close aide of General Secretary Champat Rai, who managed the banking deposits of the offerings. The fourth is Manish Yadav, Tinnu's nephew, who secured a job at the temple through his uncle's influence. The fifth is Karun, another member of the counting team whose assets have seen a suspicious increase, while the sixth is Avnish Mishra, involved in counting and management, who is also on the list of suspects.

Political and Religious Concerns

The issue has transcended administrative boundaries, with political parties and religious leaders expressing grave concern. The Congress party has questioned the composition of the SIT, noting that it includes officials who were present during the Mahakumbh stampede. Religious leaders have suggested that the trust should include more spiritually-inclined individuals who fear divine retribution, to prevent such incidents. Union Minister Anupriya Patel has also termed the incident extremely serious, stating that those involved can't be forgiven and must face the harshest punishment.

Historical Context of Land Scams

This isn't the first time the Ram Temple project has faced allegations of financial irregularities. During the land acquisition phase in 2021-22, reports of scams surfaced. The Aam Aadmi Party and Samajwadi Party had accused the trust of buying land at inflated prices. 5 crore rupees within minutes. 5 crore rupees just months later. While the trust provided justifications for these deals at the time, the recurring allegations from land acquisition to donation theft continue to trouble the devotees of Ram Lalla.