The case involving alleged misappropriation and theft of devotees’ donations at the Ram Mandir has taken a new turn. Intensifying the investigation, the Uttar Pradesh Police questioned Champat Rai, the former General Secretary of the Ram Mandir Trust, on Monday. Meanwhile, the Faizabad Bar Association in Ayodhya has announced that none of its members will represent the eight accused arrested in this case in court.
According to a PTI report, the association passed a resolution stating that any member violating the decision to boycott the accused would face a fine of ₹5 lakh.
The association also stated that it would demand a CBI inquiry into the matter.
It further demanded that Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao—who are associated with the temple’s management but were not named in the FIR—leave Ayodhya “within three days,” warning that failure to do so would result in the city being blockaded, with no one allowed to enter.
What did the Association President say?
Association President Kalika Prasad Mishra demanded legal action against these three individuals and stated that the organization would approach the High Court—and the Supreme Court if necessary—to press for a CBI inquiry.
He said the association would also seek the registration of an FIR against Champat Rai, Gopal Rao, and Anil Mishra under Section 156(3) of the BNSS. This section empowers a magistrate to direct the police to investigate a cognizable offense if no action has been taken on a complaint.
Prasad said, “We will first approach the police to get the case registered, and if no action is taken, we will pursue legal recourse through the courts.”
Reaction from Champat Rai’s brother
Meanwhile, Champat Rai’s brother came forward to defend him following the resignation from the post of General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Speaking to PTI, Sunil Bansal—a resident of Nagina in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district—termed the allegations against his brother as politically motivated. He stated that Champat Rai has dedicated “everything” to the RSS, the Ram Mandir movement, and the service of the nation.
The association recalled that it had adopted a similar stance following the 2005 terrorist attack on the then-makeshift Ram Mandir, when its members refused to defend the accused. In that instance, a lawyer from Lucknow eventually represented them.
The eight accused, arrested last Thursday, were produced before Special Judge (Anti-Corruption Court) Rajat Verma via video conferencing. According to Special Prosecution Officer Umesh Dubey, the police did not seek custodial remand; consequently, the accused were sent to judicial custody for two weeks.
These accused were responsible for counting the cash and valuables received as donations at the Ram Mandir.
CM Yogi assures punishment for the guilty
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stated that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made it clear that anyone found guilty will face severe punishment and that the matter will be resolved swiftly in accordance with the law.
Amidst the escalating war of words between the BJP and opposition parties, the Congress announced that a senior delegation, led by its Uttar Pradesh unit president Ajay Rai, would visit Ayodhya on Tuesday.
What did the opposition say?
The opposition party also alleged that the State Bank of India had recommended replacing the officials deployed at the Ram Mandir donation counting center three months prior. It questioned who was “shielding” them before the alleged misappropriation of temple funds came to light.
Speaking to reporters in Raipur, Congress leader and AICC Media and Publicity Department Chairman Pawan Khera claimed that the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Mandir was merely the beginning, hinting that more such cases could come to light. Responding to criticism from the opposition, Uttar Pradesh Minister Dayashankar Singh accused opposition leaders of lacking faith in Lord Ram. He said, “They do not believe in Lord Ram, have never visited the Ayodhya temple, played no part in its construction, and yet they question those who have renounced family life to serve the nation.”
(With agency inputs)