Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Case Eight Accused Sent to Fourteen Days Judicial Custody
A local court in Ayodhya remanded eight accused to fourteen days judicial custody in the Ram Temple donation case as investigators continue probing alleged misuse of donations and valuables.
Ayodhya: A local court in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya has sent all eight accused in the Ram Temple donation case to 14 days of judicial custody. The order was passed after the accused were produced before the court following the completion of their three day police custody.
The eight accused will remain in judicial custody until July 13 as the investigation into the alleged misuse of donations made to the Ram Temple continues. Police informed the court that further investigation was underway and sought judicial custody for the accused.
The case has attracted nationwide attention after allegations surfaced regarding the misappropriation of cash donations as well as gold and silver offerings made by devotees at the temple. The allegations have sparked widespread public concern and prompted multiple administrative and legal actions.
Following the controversy, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trust member Anil Mishra stepped down from their respective positions. Earlier, the trust had assured that the allegations would be examined through an impartial investigation.
Police had arrested the eight accused, including a former driver of Champat Rai, on Thursday night in connection with the alleged diversion of temple donations.
Meanwhile, the Faizabad Bar Association passed a resolution stating that none of its members would represent the accused in court. The association also warned that any lawyer violating the resolution could face a penalty of Rs 5 lakh.
In a separate development, the Supreme Court of India declined an urgent hearing on a petition seeking a time bound and impartial investigation into the allegations. The court indicated that the matter would be listed after the summer vacation.
The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier constituted a Special Investigation Team to examine the case. The panel includes senior administrative, police and finance department officials who are overseeing the ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of temple donations.
