Major Twist in Ram Mandir Donation Case as Police Arrest Eight Individuals. (Image Internet)
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested eight accused in the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case as the investigation continues. The arrested individuals have been sent to police custody and are being questioned by officials regarding their alleged involvement in the matter.
The accused include Ramashankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, who has been described as a close aide of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust general secretary Champat Rai. Other arrested individuals are Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey, Lav Kush Mishra, Rama Shankar Mishra and Subhash Srivastava.
Officials said all eight individuals were associated with the donation counting process.
The arrests followed the registration of an FIR against the accused under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The case was filed based on evidence reportedly collected from CCTV footage.
Authorities are continuing to examine the details of the alleged incident, and sources have indicated that more arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.
No FIR has been registered so far against Champat Rai or trust member Anil Mishra.
The case is being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The Uttar Pradesh government has assured strict action, stating that anyone found responsible will face consequences.
The issue has also triggered political reactions in the state. Opposition leaders have criticised the government over the alleged theft, questioning the handling of the investigation and demanding accountability.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that evidence was being removed, while Congress leaders also raised concerns over the probe. The Aam Aadmi Party criticised the government, saying the incident had affected public sentiments.
Meanwhile, state Finance Minister Suresh Khanna said the government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards crime and assured that no guilty person would be spared.
