Major Breakthrough in Ram Mandir Donation Theft Investigation
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have seized over Rs 70 lakh in cash and a significant amount of foreign currency as the investigation into the Ram Mandir donation theft case expands. The recovery was made during a series of coordinated raids across multiple locations, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Details of the Seizure
According to a senior police officer involved in the probe, the cash recovered includes both Indian rupees and foreign denominations, including US dollars and UAE dirhams. The total value of the foreign currency is estimated to be around Rs 10 lakh, bringing the overall seizure to approximately Rs 80 lakh. The operation was conducted by a special investigation team (SIT) formed to probe the embezzlement of funds meant for the Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya.
“We have recovered Rs 70.5 lakh in Indian currency and foreign currency worth about Rs 10 lakh from the premises of the main accused and his associates,” the officer said, requesting anonymity. “The probe is ongoing, and more arrests are expected.”
Background of the Case
The case came to light earlier this year when discrepancies were noticed in the donation records of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the temple construction. A complaint was filed alleging that a group of individuals had siphoned off crores of rupees collected from devotees across the country. The SIT was constituted after the state government intervened, following public outcry.
So far, four individuals have been arrested, including a former accountant of the trust and a local businessman. The seized cash and currency are believed to be part of the stolen funds. Investigators are also examining bank accounts and property documents linked to the accused.
Impact and Next Steps
The recovery marks a significant step in the investigation, which has been closely watched by religious and political circles. The Ram Temple is a flagship project of the central government, and any scandal involving its funding could have political ramifications. The SIT is now focusing on tracing the remaining stolen money and identifying other beneficiaries.
“We are confident of recovering the entire amount. The accused have confessed to their involvement, and we are following the money trail,” another official said. The court has remanded the arrested individuals to police custody for further interrogation.
