Investigation into Ram Temple Donations: Interim Secretary Reviews Bank Locker Assets

Review of Valuable Assets at Ram Temple

Sources from the temple have revealed that the interim secretary of the Ram Temple Trust conducted an inspection of millions in gold, silver, and other precious metals stored in a bank locker in Ayodhya, along with associated records. This action follows a theft case involving donations at the temple, prompting a thorough review of the trust's finances and valuable items. According to reports, interim secretary Krishna Mohan visited the State Bank of India branch in Ayodhya on Monday evening and remained there until late at night. During this visit, a detailed inventory of the valuables was compiled, and photographs of the gold, silver, and other precious items in the bank locker were taken. Sources indicated that Krishna Mohan had been reviewing the trust's account ledgers and other records over the past three days, leading to the preparation of a final list of funds and valuables.

Furthermore, it is anticipated that the newly formed Special Investigation Team (SIT), established following a Supreme Court order regarding the temple donation theft, will resume its work starting Tuesday. Krishna Mohan refrained from answering media inquiries about the bank visit. When asked about the arrangements at the Ram Temple, he encouraged everyone to visit and see for themselves, stating, "Come and witness it; if there are any shortcomings, let us know." Allegations of misappropriation of donations received for the temple surfaced in early June, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to form an SIT on June 13, initially granting it 15 days to investigate the claims.

After the SIT submitted its preliminary report on June 23, an FIR was filed on June 25, leading to the arrest of eight individuals: Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava, and Ramashankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav. In summary, while the investigation into the temple's funds continues, the interim general secretary has reviewed the valuables and records stored in the bank locker, as the SIT is expected to restart its inquiry into the misappropriation case.