RSS Breaks Silence on Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust Row, Backs SIT Probe
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RSS demands a fair probe into the Ayodhya trust fund case as pressure mounts over alleged embezzlement and accountability concerns.
By Pranjal Gupta
New Delhi, July 3: The situation in Ayodhya is becoming increasingly crucial, with the lawyers' body seeking an FIR (First Information Report) against Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao - key figures of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Despite this, no action has been taken against the three, who were responsible for the daily accounts of the trust funds. Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday pressed for a fair inquiry, saying the unfortunate incident has deeply hurt the sentiments and faith of the entire society.
In a video posted on the official RSS account on X, formerly Twitter, its general secretary, Dattatreya Hosabale, said, "It is essential to ensure that anyone found guilty after the
investigation faces severe punishment."
"This is crucial to ensure that the faith and reverence of crores of Ram devotees in the Ayodhya temple remain unbroken and steadfast. The current state of confusion and uncertainty must end. In this regard, we expect the temple management and the government-appointed SIT to take all necessary initiatives," he added.
After a controversy erupted over the alleged embezzlement of huge funds donated by devotees, the Uttar Pradesh government ordered the formation of an SIT (Special Investigation Team) to look into the matter.
Unlike the earlier round, when the three were questioned separately, the SIT examined them together to reconstruct the sequence of events, understand how the alleged irregularities continued over a period of time, and assess their respective roles, sources said.
A call on Rai and Mishra, both of whom have resigned from their posts, is likely to be taken by a two-thirds majority at the trust's meeting on July 6, sources said.
They also said Rai has told his close associates that his "service in Ayodhya is complete" and that he will not continue with the "stigma".
According to the sources, Rai, who is currently in seclusion, said his trust had been "betrayed". However, he did not specify by whom.
Monday's meeting is also expected to deliberate on key issues concerning the trust's management, particularly in light of the recommendations of the SIT formed by the Uttar Pradesh government last month to look into the allegations of embezzlement.
