What’s Behind the Ram Temple Donation Scandal? Insights from Champat Rai's Statement
Investigation into Ram Temple Donation Controversy
Ayodhya: The Ayodhya police have taken the statement of Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, as part of their inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of donations intended for the Ram temple. This follows Rai's recent offer to resign, citing 'moral responsibility' for the unfolding situation, according to officials on Tuesday.
A police representative confirmed that Rai's statement was recorded but did not disclose specific details regarding the timing or duration of the questioning.
"Yes, his statements have been recorded," the official stated.
Sources indicate that Ayodhya Circle Officer Ashutosh Tiwari, who is leading the investigation, visited Rai's residence in Karsevakpuram to gather his account.
The police reportedly requested information and documentation related to the alleged donation misappropriation from Rai, who is believed to have been aware of the suspected fraud before it escalated into a significant political issue.
When asked about media claims suggesting that Rai acknowledged a delay in filing a First Information Report (FIR) after discovering the alleged theft, another police official remarked, "Sorry, can’t say anything on that. What transpired is confidential and can’t be shared."
It has been noted that the temple trust was aware of the alleged donation theft prior to June 7, when the matter first gained public attention.
Supporters of Rai, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, asserted that he acted swiftly upon learning of the alleged fraud, although they could not clarify why the FIR against the suspects was only filed on June 25, several days after a viral video surfaced on June 5, allegedly showing the recovery of a bag containing stolen donation money from the residence of one of the accused, Avinash Shukla.
The controversy initially surfaced on June 7, following allegations of donation embezzlement made by Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav. Rai subsequently dismissed these claims, stating that an internal audit revealed 'nothing noteworthy' regarding the donation management system.
In response, the Uttar Pradesh government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13. Preliminary findings from the SIT reportedly uncovered significant violations of standard operating procedures related to the handling and counting of temple donations, including a lack of necessary security measures, failure to retain CCTV footage for the required duration, and lapses in the management of donation box keys.
Based on the preliminary report submitted on June 23, an FIR was filed on June 25, leading to the arrest of eight individuals involved in the temple's donation-counting process. Authorities have stated that approximately Rs 80 lakh in cash, along with some foreign currency, has been recovered from six of the accused thus far.
Among those arrested is Ramashankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, a former driver for Rai, who, according to the SIT, possessed keys to several donation boxes, which contravened established standard operating procedures.
On Tuesday, police also interrogated Avinash Shukla, one of the arrested suspects, inside the district jail after receiving court approval, sources reported.
Investigating Officer Ashutosh Tiwari submitted a request to the court to question Shukla while he was in judicial custody. Following the court's approval, Tiwari visited the jail to conduct the interrogation regarding the alleged embezzlement of donations from the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
Sources revealed that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust recovered Rs 20 lakh from Shukla on June 5.
Repeated attempts to contact Rai for comments on the ongoing developments went unanswered.
The alleged embezzlement has escalated into a significant political issue, with opposition parties demanding accountability as the investigation continues to explore the extent of the fraud and the timeline leading to the FIR registration.