SEOKeyword – Ayodhya Donation Probe Gains Momentum Amid Fresh Political Demands
SEOKeyword – Allegations surrounding the handling of donations made to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya have intensified political debate, with fresh demands for a comprehensive investigation and accountability.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday urged authorities to take strict legal action against all individuals allegedly involved in the reported misuse of donations collected for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He maintained that any investigation would remain incomplete if it focused only on lower-level office bearers while leaving senior figures untouched.
Demand for Action Against Senior Officials
Speaking to the media, Kejriwal said that public confidence could only be restored if those occupying influential positions were also held accountable, wherever evidence supports their involvement. According to him, merely proceeding against junior functionaries would not satisfy public expectations. He stressed that every person found responsible, irrespective of rank, should face appropriate legal consequences.
Response to Reports of Trust Resignations
Reacting to reports suggesting that Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra had resigned, Kejriwal said resignations alone should not be viewed as an adequate response. He noted that the authenticity of such reports was yet to be fully established but argued that accountability should extend beyond stepping down from official positions if any wrongdoing is proven.
He further stated that those allegedly involved in the misappropriation of temple donations must be dealt with under the law, emphasizing that legal proceedings should determine responsibility rather than administrative changes alone.
Political Allegations and Public Remarks
During his remarks, Kejriwal also claimed that certain individuals accused in the matter were attempting to create political instability in Uttar Pradesh. Referring to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he alleged that efforts were being made to weaken his position and urged him not to support or protect anyone facing allegations in the case.
Kejriwal also made strong comments demanding severe punishment for those who may have misused funds donated by devotees, asserting that any proven misuse of religious donations should invite the strictest possible legal action.
FIR Registered in Donation Misappropriation Case
The developments come after a First Information Report (FIR) was registered 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.
According to the FIR, those named include Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Tinnu Yadav, Manish Yadav and several others. The investigation is currently focused on examining allegations related to the handling of donation funds.
SIT Continues Investigation
The case gained attention after former Samajwadi Party MLA from Ayodhya, Pawan Pandey, alleged that between ₹7 crore and ₹7.5 crore collected as donations for the Ram Mandir had been misappropriated.
Following these allegations, the Uttar Pradesh Government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 14. The SIT was formed after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust requested an independent investigation into the matter. Authorities are continuing the probe to verify the allegations, identify those responsible, and determine whether any financial irregularities took place.