'The Ayodhya incident has certainly hurt the faith of all of us, of Ram devotees like us.'
''These people who were running the show at the Ram temple have something to hide, therefore they are not ready for a CBI investigation.'
RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has strongly condemned the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, stating it has deeply hurt sentiments. He called for a thorough investigation and severe punishment for those found guilty, while also urging patience from the Hindu community against "anti-Hindu" forces.
Justice Atul Sreedharan of the Allahabad High Court has made strong observations on systemic corruption in India, suggesting the death penalty for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He criticised the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple and the Uttar Pradesh government's "bulldozer actions," highlighting the normalisation of corruption and the state's complicity in unauthorised constructions.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. They highlighted that devotees feel betrayed and urged the Prime Minister to ensure accountability and make the Trust's financial affairs public. The controversy follows the arrest of eight people and the resignation of two Trust functionaries in connection with the alleged theft.
The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed Kulshekhar Singh, an ex-joint director of the Department of Prosecution, as legal aid defence counsel for the accused in the alleged Ram temple donation embezzlement case, following a boycott by the Faizabad Bar Association.
The police sealed the room in the rented house of the accused. The police have taken the DVR of the CCTV camera installed at Mishra's rented house into their custody, official sources said.
Following alleged thefts at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other incidents, prominent temples across India, including Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Ambaji temple in Gujarat, are implementing stringent new rules for counting offerings. These measures include mandatory pocketless clothing for staff, extensive CCTV surveillance, metal detector frisking, and promoting digital payments to ensure transparency, honesty, and accountability in donation management.
Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said the alleged embezzlement of donations to the Ram Temple at Ayodhya has pained devotees, but stressed strict action will be taken against those found guilty in the case.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has intensified his attack on the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, demanding a scrutiny of call detail records of temple employees. He claims a significant majority of them have links to the BJP and accuses the ruling party of prioritising electoral gains over religious values amidst an ongoing SIT probe and recent resignations within the temple trust.
Opposition parties disrupted Lok Sabha proceedings on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, leading to multiple adjournments. Protests focused on the alleged NEET paper leak and Ram temple donation theft issues, with demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The House was eventually adjourned for the day after repeated appeals for order failed.
The police investigating the "embezzlement" of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya have scrutinised the bank accounts of relatives of the eight arrested accused as they seek to establish the money trail behind the alleged diversion of funds, sources said on Friday.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is conducting a 10-day purification ritual, including the recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra, to 'atone' for a recent donation theft at the Ayodhya Ram Temple complex and 'seek forgiveness' from the Almighty.
Police investigating the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya have requested seven-day custody for two jailed accused, Ram Shankar Yadav and Subhash Srivastava. This request follows new disclosures that necessitate further verification and recovery of evidence. The court is set to hear the remand application on July 14, as investigators scrutinise financial transactions and property purchases to trace the diverted funds.
The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to apprise it about the possibility of setting up an SIT to probe the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and cautioned the litigants not to politicise the issue.
Ram Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra stated that the alleged donation theft at the Ayodhya temple was a 'disgraceful blot' and expressed confidence that the temple management system would be improved to prevent future incidents.
The family of Avinash Shukla, one of eight arrested in connection with the alleged theft of offerings from the Ram temple in Ayodhya, has stated he should be punished if guilty but receive justice if innocent. Shukla was involved in cash reconciliation, and Rs 20 lakh was reportedly recovered from him. The case follows allegations of embezzlement and an ongoing SIT investigation.
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former MP Vinay Katiyar on Friday said he has spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Ram temple donations' theft issue and he "expressed concern".
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya is expected to submit its final report to the Uttar Pradesh government shortly, sources said on Thursday.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged theft and embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has found repeated instances of employees concealing cash during counting and flagged serious security and supervision lapses. The preliminary report, shared with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, indicates systematic irregularities and financial discrepancies among employees, leading to arrests and resignations within the trust.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttar Pradesh government has questioned Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and administrator Gopal Rao regarding allegations of donation money theft and financial mismanagement at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
A primary school teacher, a former car mechanic, a retired bank employee and a trusted aide of a senior Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust functionary -- people from diverse backgrounds are among the eight arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to hold a critical meeting in Ayodhya to address the ongoing probe into alleged donation theft and the resignations of its general secretary and a trustee. The meeting will review the SIT report and discuss potential appointments.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust held a crucial meeting in Ayodhya to deliberate on the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra, following allegations of embezzlement of donations. The meeting also reviewed the ongoing SIT probe into the alleged theft.
The investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has broadened to include private security personnel. Around 400 guards are under scrutiny for their roles in managing entry, exit, and offerings, with police examining duty records, CCTV footage, and potential negligence or complicity in theft. This follows the arrest of eight individuals and the resignation of two trust members after a Special Investigation Team was formed.
Gopal Nagarakatte alias Gopal Rao, a special invitee member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has clarified his status amidst allegations and an ongoing donation theft probe. Rao stated he was asked to temporarily step away from meetings, not removed, and denied all allegations except those related to the theft. His remarks follow the Trust's announcement of other resignations and his own removal as an administrator, as a Special Investigation Team continues to probe nearly 70 suspected instances of theft at the Ram Temple.
Most of those named were involved with the donation-counting process.
The Ram Temple trust in Ayodhya has implemented a new, two-shift system for counting cash donations, overseen by the State Bank of India (SBI), following an embezzlement scandal. A new team, including ex-servicemen and supervisors, has been deployed to enhance security and transparency in the process, aiming to prevent future theft and restore public trust.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to convene in Ayodhya to discuss the preliminary report of the SIT investigating the Ram Temple donation theft. The agenda includes reviewing the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, considering the appointment of a CEO, and approving financial statements. The meeting comes amidst ongoing police and SIT investigations, with eight arrests made in connection with the theft.
Former Ram temple trust chief Champat Rai has stated he will address all allegations of donation embezzlement against him only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report. Rai, who observed 'maun dharan' (silence) on the matter, highlighted that the SIT's preliminary report has already been made public. The trust has appointed an interim general secretary and acknowledged the theft from donation boxes, while also appreciating Rai's contributions.
A BJP MLA from Unnao, Anil Singh, has sparked controversy after a video showed him stating that those who embezzled donations from the Ram temple in Ayodhya would suffer from cancer and die painfully. His remarks come amidst a political row over alleged misappropriation of funds, leading to arrests and opposition criticism.
The Ram temple trust's decision to establish a permanent institute for training and certifying Hindu priests is being seen by religious leaders and members of the Indian diaspora as a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for qualified 'archaks' (priests) not only in India but also overseas.
Seers in Ayodhya are demanding that bureaucrats be excluded from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust following allegations of donation embezzlement and the resignations of two key members, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra. While some seers call for the trust to be run solely by religious figures to prevent corruption, others defend the integrity of the resigned officials, highlighting a division within the spiritual community regarding the trust's management and accountability.
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai claims he was placed under "house arrest" in Ayodhya to prevent him from visiting the Ram temple amidst an ongoing controversy over alleged embezzlement of donations. Other Congress delegation members were also reportedly stopped or detained, sparking protests and further political debate.
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai's statement has been recorded by Ayodhya police as part of the investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple, following his offer to resign over the controversy.
A preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has identified Avinash Shukla as the prime accused in the alleged theft of devotees' offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, linking him to a suspected 40-day racket involving nearly 70 instances of pilferage from the donation-counting system.
A private security agency has denied involvement in the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The agency stated it only recruited personnel for housekeeping at an SBI branch at the bank's request, disclaiming responsibility for their duties or the alleged theft, which is currently under SIT investigation.
The Ayodhya Development Authority has issued a notice to the wife of a Ram temple donation theft accused for alleged unauthorised construction, as police intensify their investigation into the embezzlement case. Recoveries of cash, gold, silver, and a "Ramrajya Kosh" donation box have been made, and eight people have been arrested.
Amidst an ongoing SIT probe into alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri held a series of meetings in Ayodhya. These discussions followed the acceptance of resignations from former general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, and the Trust's decision to overhaul its administrative structure, including appointing a professional CEO. Rai, who has adopted a vow of silence, questioned the State Bank of India's role in the donation counting process, while Giri defended Rai but acknowledged his trust in the wrong people. The SIT probe is expanding to examine the Trust's financial transactions and administrative processes.
Residents and pilgrims in Ayodhya are anxiously awaiting the outcome of a Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust meeting, convened amidst serious allegations of embezzlement of temple donations. The controversy has led to a subdued public mood, concerns among devotees about the security of their offerings, and calls for strict action against those responsible, including "big people" behind the alleged scam. Security has been heightened as an SIT investigates and arrests have been made.
