Spiritual orator Karpatri Maharaj said he was ‘not satisfied with the SIT probe’ and urged the chief minister to take strict action
AYODHYA — Eight people were arrested on Friday in Ayodhya over alleged embezzlement of cash and valuables donated to the Ram Mandir, police said. The arrests came after a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted its preliminary findings to the Uttar Pradesh government, citing irregularities in the handling of temple donations.
An FIR was registered on Thursday evening at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station based on a complaint by Krishna Mohan, who is associated with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Police identified the accused as Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu, Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Manish Yadav, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Chandra Srivastava, and Karunesh Pandey. All of them have been booked for theft, cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police said the accused were involved in counting and handling donations from temple boxes and are alleged to have misappropriated the funds.
A senior police official said questioning is underway and the accused will be produced before a magistrate.
The SIT was formed on June 13 after allegations surfaced. It is headed by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant and includes senior police and finance officials. The team reviewed donation records, cash handling systems, storage, and CCTV footage, and questioned temple staff.
Investigators are now moving to the prosecution stage, examining financial records to trace alleged diversion of funds. Police said more arrests and additional charges are possible.
Police clarified the FIR does not name senior trust members, including General Secretary Champat Rai, who were questioned earlier. Officials said their role remains under examination and the probe is ongoing.
Religious leaders in Ayodhya demanded strict action. Spiritual orator Karpatri Maharaj said he was “not satisfied with the SIT probe” and urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to “take strict action and ensure such people are removed from Ayodhya.”
Saket Bhawan Peethadhishwar Sitaram Das Ji Maharaj called for punishment that “sets an example”. Hanuman Garhi priest Rameshdas Maharaj said the legal process must take its course and “those who have committed wrongdoing will be punished by the court.” — With inputs from PTI
