Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has appealed to devotees of Lord Ram to exercise patience as a Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducts a probe into allegations of financial irregularities concerning donations made to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Chief Minister emphasized that those who waited for 500 years for the temple’s construction can wait an additional 15 days for the SIT to complete its investigation.
The SIT, comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan, was formed following a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Trust sought the investigation to establish facts and counter what it described as misinformation aimed at tarnishing the temple’s image amidst allegations of missing funds.
Speaking at a gathering in Rudauli tehsil of Ayodhya after inaugurating a Government Ayurvedic PG College, Chief Minister Adityanath urged anyone possessing documents or information related to the matter to provide it to the SIT. He assured that no accused would be spared if found guilty, stating, “We followed the path of dignity and restraint for 500 years. Wait another 15 days. Have patience and do not worry.”
The Chief Minister also cautioned devotees against being influenced by attempts to malign Ayodhya and the Ram Temple movement. He specifically targeted political rivals without naming them, remarking, “Those who opened fire on Karsevaks are now preaching to us on Ram Mandir. They never came to Ayodhya. Now, the same people are defaming Ayodhya.”
The controversy surrounding the Ram Temple donations gained national attention after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav raised concerns on June 7, citing reports of alleged missing funds and calling for a judicial probe. This led to the formation of the three-member SIT by the Uttar Pradesh government, which has been stationed in Ayodhya since June 15. The SIT has begun examining records and statements, with the task of submitting a preliminary report within seven days and a final report within 15 days.
The SIT’s investigation includes scanning documents pertaining to gold and silver offerings at the temple and bringing land records of accused individuals under scrutiny. The team is also cross-verifying statements of key suspects, including Ram Shankar Yadav, who is alleged to have diverted temple funds. Several key figures and temple staff members have been questioned as part of the embezzlement probe.
The Ram Temple Construction Committee chief, Nripendra Mishra, had previously supported the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to form the SIT, commending the swift action and the appointment of senior officers. He noted that the committee would make recommendations regarding any pending issues, identified shortcomings, and necessary remedial measures once the investigation concludes.
The Chenab Times News Desk