Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir arrived at the temple premises to carry out further investigation. The team has been granted a 15-day extension to complete its investigation.
The extension has been given to enable the SIT to widen the scope of its probe and conduct a comprehensive inquiry into all aspects of the case.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday intensified its probe into the Ram Mandir alleged donation embezzlement case and is currently questioning accused Avinash Shukla at the Special Operations Group (SOG) office in Ayodhya.
Ayodhya Circle Officer (CO) Ashutosh Tiwari and several other officials are present at the interrogation.
Who is Avinash?
Avinash Shukla, who was associated with the counting of Ram temple offerings, was presented in the Ayodhya court on Thursday and sent on 24-hour police remand.
Earlier, on June 28, a team led by Circle Officer (CO) Ashutosh Kumar had visited Avinash Shukla's residence in Ayodhya to conduct inquiries and gather evidence.
The Ram Mandir donation embezzlement controversy began after an FIR was registered on June 25 over the alleged fraud involving donations received at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The Trust has maintained that it is committed to a fair investigation and to preserving the faith of devotees.
According to officials, the case has been filed under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61 and 3(5), on the directions of the Uttar Pradesh Government. Those who have been named in the FIR are: Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Tinnu Yadav, Manish Yadav, and others.
This comes after allegations were made by former SP MLA from Ayodhya, Pawan Pandey, who claimed that between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore in donations were misappropriated from the Ram Mandir.
On June 29, an Ayodhya court remanded all the accused in the alleged donation embezzlement case to 14-day judicial custody following an intensive investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving temple donations.
Earlier, former Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned, taking moral responsibility for the controversy. Police have since recorded Champat Rai's statement, while statements of other senior Trust office-bearers, including Anil Mishra, may be recorded if required during the course of the investigation.
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