Ram Temple Donations – Probe Expands as Leaders Demand Accountability
Ram Temple Donations – Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das Ji Maharaj has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into allegations of irregularities involving donations collected for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He said the matter had caused concern among devotees and stressed that anyone found responsible should face action under the law.
Investigation Brings New Details to Light
Speaking about the case, Vishnu Das said investigators were continuing to gather evidence and that questioning of those arrested had led to fresh information. He described the Ram Temple as an important symbol of faith for people across the country and said the investigation should not be influenced by the position or public standing of any individual.
According to him, eight people have been arrested so far in connection with the alleged donation embezzlement. He said questions had also been raised regarding the possible role of several other individuals, including Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao. He added that investigators should examine every allegation on the basis of evidence.
Searches Conducted at Suspects’ Locations
Vishnu Das said police teams had carried out searches at the homes and other locations linked to the accused, including Tinnu Yadav. He said the authorities were working to establish how the alleged financial irregularities took place and whether more people were connected to the case.
He also referred to assurances from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath that the facts would be brought before the public. Vishnu Das said the inquiry should proceed without delay so that confidence among devotees is maintained.
Political Allegations Raised During the Case
The religious leader also made allegations concerning the political use of information related to the case. He claimed that Tinnu Yadav had shared details about the alleged thefts with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and that the issue was later used in the political context ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
These claims have not been independently established in the information available so far. Vishnu Das said he believed the alleged incidents may have started before the Kumbh Mela and suggested that a wider network could be examined during the investigation.
Temple Trust Member Seeks Strict Action
Separately, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust member Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj demanded strong punishment for those found guilty. He said the alleged misuse of funds associated with Ram Lalla was a serious offence and should be dealt with firmly.
Mahant Dinendra Das said the main accused had already been sent to jail. He added that the local administration was pursuing the case and that efforts were being made to trace and recover the money allegedly diverted from temple donations.
SIT Given More Time for Wider Inquiry
The Special Investigation Team has visited the Ram Temple premises as part of its inquiry into the alleged financial misconduct. The Uttar Pradesh government has reportedly extended the SIT investigation by 15 days, allowing the team additional time to examine the case and identify others who may have played a role.
Police are expected to review financial records, statements and material recovered during searches. The focus of the inquiry is to determine the alleged method used to divert funds and to establish whether the case involved a coordinated operation.
Prime Accused Taken for Custodial Questioning
Ayodhya Police recently took prime accused Avinash Shukla out of the Ayodhya District Jail after obtaining a 24-hour custodial remand from a local court. Investigators sought his custody to verify information collected during the probe and to conduct field searches linked to the alleged theft.
After the searches were completed, Shukla was taken back to the district jail. Police and the SIT are continuing their efforts to reconstruct the alleged chain of events, identify possible associates and recover any remaining funds connected to the case.