Ram Mandir – UP Minister Backs SIT Probe Into Donation Fund Irregularities
Ram Mandir – Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad has supported the ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, saying the state government is taking corruption complaints seriously and allowing agencies to complete their inquiries.
Minister Calls for Confidence in Investigation
Speaking in Prayagraj on Friday, Nishad said allegations of corruption were not new, but claimed that such matters had often been ignored or suppressed in earlier years. He said the present administration was bringing suspected wrongdoing to light and taking legal action where evidence was available.
Nishad urged people not to draw conclusions before the investigation is completed. According to him, agencies must follow legal procedures, collect evidence and examine all relevant records before deciding responsibility in any case.
He also said public statements should not be used to influence the inquiry or create confusion. The minister maintained that those accused of wrongdoing should face action only after the investigation establishes their role.
Trust Member Demands Strict Legal Action
The case has also drawn a strong response from Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. He said those found responsible for misusing money meant for Ram Lalla should face the toughest punishment permitted under law.
Mahant Dinendra Das said the main accused in the case had already been sent to jail. He added that the district administration and police were continuing their efforts to trace the alleged diversion of funds and recover the amount involved.
He said the matter concerned donations made by devotees and therefore required a thorough and transparent inquiry. The trust member expressed confidence that investigators would identify everyone connected to the alleged financial misconduct.
SIT Expands Inquiry at Temple Premises
A Special Investigation Team has visited the Ram Mandir premises as part of its examination of the alleged embezzlement. The Uttar Pradesh government recently extended the SIT’s tenure by 15 days, allowing it more time to investigate the matter and examine possible links beyond the individuals already arrested.
Officials are expected to review financial records, transaction details and other evidence connected to the case. The extended period is intended to help investigators establish the full sequence of events and determine whether others were involved in the alleged misuse of donation money.
The SIT is working alongside local police as the investigation continues. Authorities have not disclosed the complete findings so far, and the case remains under active inquiry.
Prime Accused Taken on Custodial Remand
Meanwhile, Ayodhya Police took the main accused, Avinash Shukla, out of the Ayodhya District Jail after obtaining a 24-hour custodial remand from a local court. Police sources said the remand was sought to question him further and verify details related to the alleged theft.
During the custody period, police teams carried out searches at several locations. Investigators are believed to be examining how the alleged funds were removed and whether additional money can be recovered.
Shukla was later brought back to the district jail after the search operation concluded. Police and SIT officials are continuing to assess evidence gathered during the investigation.
The case is being closely watched because it involves funds connected to one of the country’s most prominent religious sites. Authorities have said the inquiry will proceed according to law, with further action dependent on the evidence collected.