Pursuant – Two More Accused Questioned in Ram Temple Donation Probe
Pursuant – Authorities investigating the alleged misuse of donations collected at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday took two additional accused out of the District Jail after receiving permission from a local court for 14 hours of police custody. The temporary remand was granted to allow investigators to question the suspects as part of the ongoing inquiry into the alleged diversion of funds donated by devotees. The investigation remains active, and officials have not announced any final conclusions.
Two Accused Brought for Custodial Interrogation
The two individuals taken into police custody have been identified as Subhash Chandra Srivastava, a retired bank employee who earlier supervised the temple’s cash-counting process, and Ramashankar Mishra. Police escorted both men from the jail for extensive questioning throughout the day. Investigators are attempting to gather additional information regarding the handling of donation collections and the alleged financial discrepancies that have come under scrutiny.
Earlier in the investigation, police had already questioned four other accused during separate periods of custodial remand. Those individuals include Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey. Officials confirmed that the interrogation process is still continuing as investigators examine evidence and statements connected with the case.
Priest Criticises Political Reactions
Amid the ongoing investigation, Ayodhya Hanuman Garhi temple priest Mahant Raju Das alleged that opposition parties were attempting to turn the matter into a political issue instead of allowing the legal process to continue. Speaking to ANI, he claimed that political opponents were making allegations despite having no connection with the temple or its religious activities.
According to Das, some irregularities may have occurred, but he stressed that the investigation should be allowed to proceed without unnecessary speculation. He referred to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s appeal urging the public to remain patient while the authorities complete their inquiry.
Investigation Continues Under SIT
Mahant Raju Das also pointed to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), saying the inquiry was progressing and that those found responsible would face legal consequences. He stated that several arrests had already been made and expressed confidence that further evidence would emerge during the investigation.
He further alleged that repeated claims made by opposition leaders had affected the sentiments of devotees before the investigation had reached any conclusion. Das maintained that all available evidence would eventually be placed before the appropriate judicial authorities, allowing the complete sequence of events to become clear through due legal process.
Judicial Custody Extended for Accused
Earlier this week, an Ayodhya court extended the judicial custody of all eight accused in the alleged donation embezzlement case by another 14 days. The accused appeared before the court through video conferencing, and the matter has been scheduled for its next hearing on July 27. The extension allows investigators to continue their work while the judicial proceedings move forward.
Supreme Court Seeks Status Report
The Supreme Court has also begun hearing petitions seeking an independent, court-monitored investigation into the alleged misuse of donations collected at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The petitions request an impartial inquiry into claims that money offered by devotees may have been misappropriated during the cash-counting process.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohan, issued notices to the Central Government, the Uttar Pradesh Government, and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Court also instructed the Special Investigation Team constituted by the Uttar Pradesh Government to submit a status report detailing the progress of the investigation and the composition of the SIT.
The apex court clarified that it is not presently examining the truthfulness of the allegations. Instead, it has sought updates on the investigation before taking any further steps in the matter. The case is scheduled for further consideration next week as both the judicial and investigative processes continue.