All eight individuals named in a First Information Report (FIR) concerning the alleged misappropriation of donations collected at the Ram temple in Ayodhya have been taken into custody, senior officials confirmed on Friday. The arrests come after a preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government recommended legal action.
Arrests and Investigation
The FIR was lodged at the behest of Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the temple's operations. According to officials, all eight accused were arrested on Thursday night within Ayodhya itself and are currently being interrogated. "Further questioning is under way. Police are preparing to present them before a magistrate," a senior official told PTI.
Nature of Allegations
The accused were reportedly involved in the process of counting cash and other valuables donated at the temple. The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 306 (theft by clerk or servant of property in possession of master), Section 316 (criminal breach of trust), Section 317 (dishonestly receiving stolen property), and Section 61 (criminal conspiracy).
Background of the Case
The SIT was established by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe allegations of financial irregularities in the handling of donations at the Ram temple. The trust member Krishna Mohan had earlier flagged concerns about the accounting and safekeeping of offerings made by devotees. The SIT's preliminary report found evidence supporting the allegations, leading to the registration of the FIR and subsequent arrests.
Impact and Next Steps
The arrests mark a significant step in the investigation, which aims to restore transparency in the management of temple funds. Police officials have indicated that further questioning may reveal additional details about the alleged embezzlement. The accused are expected to be produced before a magistrate for remand proceedings. The case has drawn attention to the need for stricter oversight of donation collection at religious sites.
