SIT Investigates Ram Mandir Donation Theft: JDU Demands Strictest Action, Shuts Down Owaisi

Patna: Following the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the Janata Dal (United) had called for unwavering accountability. On Tuesday, JDU chief spokesperson and MLC Neeraj Kumar emphasized that anyone found responsible for financial irregularities involving devotees' offerings will face severe consequences.

What JDU had demanded?

Reacting to the ongoing investigation, Neeraj Kumar stated that the misuse of funds contributed by millions of Ram devotees across the country is intolerable. "Devotees from all over the nation bowed their heads at the feet of Lord Ram and offered their hard-earned money. If there has been any financial manipulation with those funds, the formation of the SIT was a necessary step. Eight people have already been arrested," Kumar said.

He further added that the administrative officials or stakeholders involved in the oversight of these funds will not be spared if found complicit. "Strictest action will be taken against everyone responsible. No one will find a shield to protect them."

What had BJP assured about complicity?

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) echoed similar sentiments regarding the probe. BJP MLA Mangal Pandey assured that the investigation aims to bring complete transparency to the matter. "The entire purpose of setting up an inquiry is to identify the perpetrators and ensure law takes its course. Whoever is guilty will not escape justice," Pandey remarked.

How did Neeraj Kumar hit at Owaisi?

Apart from the temple row, the JDU leader also launched a sharp political attack on AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. It was regarding his recent remarks upon temple row. Kumar dismissed Owaisi's political relevance in Bihar. He had labelled his organization as divisive. Kumar recalled the political dynamics during the recent Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections in Bihar. In which he mocked the AIMIM chief's influence in the state politics. He claimed that despite Owaisi's unconditional support to RJD's Tejashwi Yadav in previous polls, the RJD had completely sidelined him when AIMIM sought opportunities in the MLC elections. "Owaisi was left with an empty bowl; the RJD did not even look his way. His statements are no longer taken seriously in national politics," Kumar added.

What are the current investigation status?

The investigation into the alleged theft has intensified following the registration of an FIR against eight individuals, all of whom have been taken into custody.

Key figure had been questioned, among those named is Champat Rai, the former General Secretary of the Ram Temple Trust. The SIT had officially recorded Champat Rai's statement. Rai had strongly denied any involvement in the financial discrepancies. The SIT continues to interrogate associated individuals to trace the extent of the alleged embezzlement.