Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case: Trust Denies Champat Rai's Resignation Reports; Rs 80 Lakh Cash, 1,000 USD Recovered | Updates

Jagran correspondent, Ayodhya: A day after reports claimed that Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trust member Dr Anil Mishra had stepped down from their posts amid the ongoing probe into the Ram Mandir donation theft case, fresh reports denied the claims. However, the continued silence of both leaders has kept speculation alive.

Temple trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and temple administrator Gopal Rao, who are currently in Ayodhya, dismissed reports of the resignations. A representative of Champat Rai also told Jagran, on condition of anonymity, that Rai had not resigned. Despite these denials, neither Champat Rai or Anil Mishra has publicly responded to the reports.

On Friday, all eight accused were produced before Special Remand Magistrate Nivedita Singh in the Faizabad court. The police have not yet secured their remand. As Friday was a Muharram holiday, the accused were presented before the special remand magistrate's court. They will be produced again on Monday, when the police are expected to seek their custody. On Friday, the court sent all eight accused to three days of judicial custody.

At around 3 pm, the accused were brought to the civil court in a black-tinted Scorpio SUV, with their faces covered by white masks, amid heavy security. Prosecution Officer KC Verma and Joint Director-in-Charge P.K. Yadav said the accused have been booked under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as well as the Prevention of Corruption Act.

ALSO READ: Champat Rai Resigns Amid Donation Row: His Journey From Physics Teacher To Ram Mandir Trust Chief

The developments came a day after an FIR was registered at the Ayodhya police station based on a complaint filed by Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. According to the police, cash amounting to Rs 7,985,493, along with 1,000 US dollars and foreign currencies, was recovered from the accused.

Who are the accused?

The named FIR lists eight individuals: Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu, who is associated with the temple management; trust employee Anukalp Mishra, his brother-in-law Lavkush Mishra, Tinnu's nephew Manish Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramshankar Mishra, Avinash Shukla and retired bank employee Subhash Srivastava. All eight have been sent to judicial custody.

Among them, Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu is considered the most prominent, as he is reportedly close to influential individuals associated with the trust.

ALSO READ: Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case: Tinnu Yadav, Avinash Shukla Among 8 Named In FIR; What Charges Have Been Imposed?

Meanwhile, amid allegations over the disappearance of jewellery and other valuables donated to the Shri Ram Temple, claims have emerged that the silver Kagbhushundi and silver bricks remain safe. Karsevakpuram in-charge and senior Sangh functionary Shivdas Singh said the silver Kagbhushundi, whose alleged disappearance has been widely discussed on social media, is completely secure.