The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on July 13 a set of petitions demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged theft of donations collected for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The development comes days after an Ayodhya court granted one-day police remand for three of the eight individuals arrested in connection with the case.
Ayodhya Court Grants Remand
On July 7, a local court in Ayodhya authorized the police to take custody of Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey for one day. These three are among the eight accused arrested so far for allegedly siphoning off funds meant for the temple construction. The court’s order allows the police to interrogate them to uncover the broader network involved in the misappropriation.
Background of the Case
The alleged theft came to light after discrepancies were found in the donation records maintained by the temple trust. Devotees from across the country had contributed generously to the Ram temple construction, which is a landmark project in Ayodhya. The controversy has sparked public outrage and demands for a transparent probe.
According to sources, the total amount misappropriated could run into several crores of rupees. However, exact figures have not been officially confirmed. The petitioners before the Supreme Court are seeking a court-monitored investigation to ensure accountability and prevent any cover-up.
Supreme Court Intervention Sought
The petitions argue that the local police investigation may not be impartial given the political sensitivity of the case. They have urged the apex court to either transfer the probe to a central agency like the CBI or constitute a special investigation team (SIT). The Supreme Court is likely to consider these demands during the hearing on July 13.
“The sanctity of the Ram temple must be upheld, and any financial irregularities should be dealt with firmly,” said a petitioner’s lawyer. The court may also seek a status report from the Uttar Pradesh government on the progress of the investigation.
Reactions and Next Steps
The Ram temple trust has denied any wrongdoing and expressed confidence that the truth will come out. Meanwhile, opposition parties have criticized the state government for alleged delays in the probe. The Supreme Court’s hearing on July 13 is expected to set the course for the investigation.
As the case unfolds, all eyes are on the apex court’s directions, which could have significant implications for the temple’s financial management and public trust.
