Background of the Complaint
The Faizabad Bar Association on Thursday filed a criminal complaint seeking an FIR against Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust former general secretary Champat Rai, former member Anil Mishra, and administrator Gopal Rao in the alleged embezzlement of donations meant for the Ayodhya Ram Temple. The complaint comes amid ongoing investigations by a special investigation team (SIT) appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government.
Denial of Wrongdoing
Rai, who was questioned by the SIT on Thursday along with Mishra, has denied any wrongdoing. According to sources, Rai claimed that he was the one who initially exposed the embezzlement. He reportedly told associates that he had been betrayed by those he trusted and stated that his “service in Ayodhya is complete,” adding he would not continue with the “stigma.” A decision on the resignations of Rai and Mishra is expected to be taken by a two-thirds majority at a Trust meeting in Ayodhya on July 6.
Political Reactions
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya defended Rai, saying he worked with immense dedication for the Ram Temple construction. Maurya asserted that action would be taken against those found guilty of donation theft. Meanwhile, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the matter, claiming that “powerful” persons were being protected.
Bar Association's Stance
On Monday, the Bar Association resolved not to allow its members to represent the eight accused arrested in the donation embezzlement case and warned that those defying it would face a Rs 5-lakh penalty. The lawyers demanded that Rai, Mishra, and Rao—associated with the management of the Ram Temple but not named in the FIR—must leave Ayodhya within three days, failing which the temple town would be blockaded.
Details of the Arrests
The eight accused—Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ram Shankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava, and Ramashankar (alias Tinnu Yadav)—were associated with counting cash and valuables received as donations at the Ram Temple. They were arrested following the registration of an FIR based on a preliminary report by the SIT appointed by the state government.
