Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Vows to Act Against Ram Temple Donation Embezzlement
NEW DELHI: Following the registration of an FIR regarding the alleged embezzlement of donations collected for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared on Friday that those found guilty will face stringent action.
Speaking at a public gathering in Deoria, Adityanath elaborated on the government’s swift response after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) delivered its findings. “I visited Ayodhya on June 19 and emphasized that Ayodhya represents our collective unity, the essence of India’s Sanatan Dharma. We should refrain from casting doubts on Ayodhya and learn from the dignity that Lord Ram embodies,” he stated.
He further emphasized, “We had announced the formation of an SIT concerning the reports circulating about Ayodhya, and action was initiated immediately upon receiving their report.”
Political Ramifications and Opposition Critique
During his speech, Adityanath also took a firm stance against the opposition, warning them against politicizing this sensitive matter. “One faction has historically questioned the existence of Lord Ram, suggesting the invalidity of Ayodhya itself. Their continued legal battles against the Ram Janmabhoomi temple construction and hostility towards those expressing devotion revealed their stance. Ironically, those who once fired at ‘Jai Shri Ram’ chants are now claiming tampering with faith,” he remarked.
Details Surrounding the FIR
The FIR was filed on the recommendation of Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which stems from the SIT’s preliminary report directed by the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate the claims of embezzlement. On Thursday, reports emerged of an FIR against eight individuals connected to the management of cash and valuables donated at the temple.
As reported by PTI, these individuals are charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including theft by a servant, criminal breach of trust, receiving stolen property, and criminal conspiracy.
Current Status of the Investigation
According to Ayodhya SSP Gaurav Grover, “The accused are currently in custody and will be presented before the court after preliminary questioning regarding the case.”
Moreover, former Samajwadi Party MLA Pawan Pandey claimed that a significant sum, estimated between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore, had been misappropriated from the temple donations. In light of these allegations, a three-member SIT was established on June 13 following a request for an investigation from the Trust itself.
The SIT, led by Vijay Vishwas Pant, Lucknow Divisional Commissioner, conducted an extensive review of the procedures surrounding donation collection, counting, and storage, as well as scrutinizing financial records and interviewing nearly 150 individuals linked to the temple administration.
Authorities indicated that the preliminary report encouraged reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in temple financial management, although the complete findings remain undisclosed.
