Renewable – Arvind Sawant Questions Judiciary and SIT Over Ayodhya Donation Probe
Renewable – Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant strongly criticised the judiciary and investigative agencies on Saturday while reacting to the alleged embezzlement of donations collected for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Speaking to reporters, he claimed that institutions responsible for protecting constitutional values were failing to function independently and raised concerns over the credibility of the ongoing investigation.
Sawant Raises Concerns Over Judicial Independence
Addressing the media, Sawant alleged that the country’s judicial system was not acting with the independence expected of a constitutional institution. According to him, the judiciary has a crucial responsibility to safeguard the Constitution and ensure justice without external influence. He questioned whether the system was fulfilling that role, arguing that public confidence depends on impartial decision-making.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further extended his criticism to the higher judiciary, alleging that judicial institutions were not operating freely. His remarks came amid growing political debate surrounding the investigation into the alleged misuse of donations received by the Ram Mandir trust.
Questions Raised Over Functioning of SIT
Sawant also expressed doubts about the functioning of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to examine the alleged financial irregularities. He claimed that investigative agencies should work independently and without outside pressure. According to him, the outcome of such investigations must be guided solely by evidence rather than external influence.
Referring to the controversy, Sawant remarked that those who publicly invoke the name of Lord Ram should uphold honesty and integrity in public life. He suggested that any proven misuse of funds collected in the name of faith would amount to a betrayal of public trust.
Trust Officials Step Down Following Allegations
The controversy intensified after Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned on Friday, accepting moral responsibility following allegations related to the handling of temple donations. Their resignations came as authorities continued to investigate claims of financial irregularities linked to the trust.
The developments have drawn widespread political attention, with opposition leaders demanding transparency while the trust has maintained that legal procedures should be allowed to take their course.
FIR Registered Under Multiple BNS Provisions
Authorities have registered a First Information Report in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The case has been filed under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61 and 3(5), following directions issued by the Uttar Pradesh Government.
The FIR names Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Tinnu Yadav, Manish Yadav and several others. Investigators are expected to examine financial records and other evidence as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Investigation Continues Into Donation Misappropriation Claims
The investigation began after former Samajwadi Party MLA Pawan Pandey alleged that donations ranging between Rs 7.5 crore and Rs 27 crore meant for the Ram Mandir had been misappropriated. In response to these allegations, the Uttar Pradesh Government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team on June 14. The SIT was formed following a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to conduct a detailed probe into the matter.
As the investigation progresses, officials are expected to verify financial transactions and determine whether any criminal wrongdoing occurred. The outcome of the probe is likely to remain under close public and political scrutiny in the coming weeks