Stepping up the investigation into the alleged embezzlement at the Ram Temple, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) plans to interrogate Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, for the second time on Friday. The probe will now encompass scrutinizing documents related to gold and silver offerings at the temple, as well as examining the land records of the accused. Yadav, a key suspect, is accused of diverting around Rs 50 crore of temple funds for constructing a luxurious residence. His association with Ram Temple Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai has added to the controversy.
The SIT, continuing its investigation for the fifth consecutive day, will interview Yadav and verify his statements with the evidence gathered thus far. The team has already questioned several important individuals and temple staff regarding the alleged misappropriation of donations. Additionally, a detailed review of documented records of offerings, including jewelry and ornaments, is currently underway. The SIT aims to establish a connection between the actual quantity of jewelry and offerings received at the temple and their corresponding paperwork.
By analyzing discrepancies between donations in the form of gold, jewelry, and their recorded data with the temple authorities, the SIT intends to determine any lapses or irregularities, shedding light on the extent of the embezzlement. The three-member SIT was constituted by the Yogi Adityanath government to conduct a thorough investigation into missing donations at the renowned Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. The controversy initially arose from local media reports highlighting irregularities in donation collections, but gained national attention after Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav alleged the theft of unaccounted donations worth crores and demanded a judicial inquiry.
The formation of the SIT has further substantiated the accusations of misusing temple funds.
