Ayodhya (Rajeev Sharma): The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested all eight individuals named in the FIR linked to the alleged misappropriation of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, marking a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the high-profile case.
Officials confirmed that the arrests were carried out late Thursday after police teams traced all the accused within Ayodhya. The suspects are now being questioned to determine how the alleged irregularities took place and whether more individuals were involved in the operation.
The criminal case was initiated after Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, filed a complaint based on the findings of a preliminary inquiry conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the state government.
According to investigators, the accused were entrusted with the responsibility of handling and counting cash and valuable offerings made by devotees at the temple. Authorities suspect that the trust placed in these individuals may have been misused, prompting a detailed financial investigation.
Police sources said the accused will be produced before a local court after completion of initial interrogation. Investigators are expected to seek further custodial questioning if required to examine financial records, recover evidence and establish the alleged flow of funds.
The FIR has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including offences relating to criminal breach of trust, theft by employees entrusted with property, dishonest possession of stolen property and criminal conspiracy.
Officials have remained tight-lipped about the exact amount of money allegedly involved, stating that auditors and investigators are scrutinising records related to donations, cash management procedures and other financial documents before drawing conclusions.
The Special Investigation Team is also examining whether existing safeguards in the donation management system were bypassed and if any procedural lapses contributed to the alleged offence.
Authorities stressed that the investigation is being conducted in a transparent manner and that anyone found responsible, regardless of their role, will face legal action. They added that preserving the integrity of the donation process and maintaining the faith of millions of devotees remain central to the investigation.
The case has drawn widespread attention given the religious significance of the Ram Temple, with investigators continuing efforts to establish the complete chain of events behind the alleged financial misconduct.
