Ayodhya: The SIT has intensified its investigation into the allegations of widespread irregularities in the donation of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
Legal action has been initiated against Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, a close aide of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerthakshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, in connection with the serious allegations that fake jewellery was placed in place of gold, silver and diamond jewellery donated by devotees and money was stolen.
The SIT is likely to tighten the legal noose around Ramashankar Yadav, the staff involved in counting the donations and some bank officials. A case is likely to be registered against them and their arrest is expected soon, sources said. There is a serious thought about taking action against Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerthakshetra Trust’s General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Dr. Anil Mishra. Both of them are likely to be relieved of their posts.
Along with this, Ram temple construction in-charge Gopal Rao may also face similar action, an English media outlet reported citing sources. The SIT has already questioned some office bearers including Champat Rai for several hours. Although the investigators tried to question Gopal Rao’s cousin Anand and temple employee Somesh Anand, both of them could not be found and their mobile phones were switched off.
Identification of 150 suspects:
The SIT, which has intensified the investigation, has identified about 150 suspects. At least 25 of them are likely to face legal action soon. All the persons under investigation by the SIT have been asked not to leave the city till further orders. According to sources, the investigation team will submit its investigation report to Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Monday.
Rs 2 crore seized:
Based on the information given by the five accused Lavakush, Avanish, Anukalp, Karun and Ramashankar alias T, who were engaged in the counting of donations at the temple, the SIT has so far seized more than Rs 2 crore in cash.
The controversy erupted after former MLA Pawan Pandey alleged that around Rs 7 crore in donations were misused. Opposition leaders including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and some BJP leaders had also demanded a court probe and financial transparency in this regard.