SIT investigation has intensified in the case of alleged theft of offerings in Ayodhya Ram temple. The questioning of Champat Rai, the arrest of eight accused, questions raised on CCTV footage and the possibility of many new revelations in the entire case before the trust meeting on 6th July have increased.
The case of alleged theft of offerings in Ayodhya’s Ram temple is no longer limited to financial irregularities alone. This has become a big issue related to the faith of crores of devotees, security arrangements of the temple and administrative accountability. While the multi-layered security system of the temple was said to be impenetrable, the allegations of alleged frequent theft of offerings have raised many serious questions.
Amidst the SIT investigating the case and the police action, Champat Rai, who was the General Secretary of Ram Mandir Trust, is being discussed the most. The police have recorded his statement. According to sources, he has denied any role in the theft and said that the arrest of the suspects also happened at his behest. However, the investigating agencies say that they can be interrogated again if necessary.
What came to light in the SIT investigation?
The initial investigation of the SIT formed on the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that between April 24 and June 5, there were about 70 incidents of theft in offerings in just 43 days. The investigation also revealed that CCTV footage before April 24 was not made available, which has made the investigation even more complicated. Police arrested eight accused on June 24 following a formal complaint by the Trust. After this, their premises were raided and cash, gold and silver jewellery, property related documents, bank account information and mobile phones were seized. The investigating agencies suspect that an attempt was also made to erase some digital evidence.
Why are questions being raised on Champat Rai and Trust?
Champat Rai has played an important role from Ram Janmabhoomi movement to temple construction. In such a situation, after his name surfaced in this case, the opposition is continuously raising questions. Congress has raised questions on the security arrangements and the role of private security guards, while other opposition parties are also demanding transparency of the investigation. According to sources, Champat Rai got information about the alleged theft at the end of May itself. The opposition alleges that if there was information at the initial stage, then why was the FIR not lodged immediately. However, these claims can be officially confirmed only after the investigation is completed.
Eyes set on July 6 meeting
Champat Rai and Anil Mishra associated with the trust have submitted their resignations. The final decision on these resignations will be taken in the meeting of Ram Mandir Trust to be held on July 6. The role of Gopal Rao and some other people is also under investigation. The biggest question at present is whether this matter was limited to the alleged theft of only a few employees or was there a bigger network active behind it. Only from the final report of the SIT it will be clear who holds the responsibility and what is the truth of the entire incident in this matter related to the faith of crores of devotees.