Ayodhya: Suspense Grows After Champat Rai and Anil Mishra Deny Involvement; CAs Brought in for Temple Probe

Ayodhya. As the investigation into the theft of offerings at the Ram Mandir intensifies, new questions are emerging with each passing day. While a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is deeply examining financial documents and the Trust’s audit records, the police are simultaneously conducting a separate inquiry.

According to sources, the SIT visited Ayodhya again on Thursday and conducted a lengthy interrogation within the temple complex. Key Trust officials—Champat Rai, Dr. Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao—were questioned about their roles, the counting of offerings, security arrangements, the process of depositing donations, and administrative responsibilities. However, there has been no official confirmation of this interrogation from either the SIT or the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Denial of Involvement During Questioning
Sources claim that during the questioning, Champat Rai, Dr. Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao denied having any direct role in the counting of offerings or the management of funds. It is reported that regarding several matters, the three pointed towards other employees, specifically naming Tinnu Yadav and Subhash Srivastava as responsible parties.

Assistance from Chartered Accountants
Given the complexity of the financial documents, the police are reportedly enlisting the help of Chartered Accountants. Experts are analyzing audit records, bank transactions, and other financial documents to document and establish any financial irregularities that may have occurred.

Investigation Lasted Nearly Eight Hours, Not Four
According to sources, the investigation began around 1:40 PM and continued until 8:30 PM. During this time, the SIT closely inspected the operational systems within the temple complex. The investigation team did not limit itself to merely examining documents; they also sought to understand the entire workflow—from the removal of funds from donation boxes and the counting process to the final deposit in the bank. It is reported that, in the presence of IPS officer Kiran S., the team reviewed various aspects of the matter and gathered detailed information from the concerned individuals.

Audit Report Becomes the Primary Basis for Investigation
The Trust’s audit records from the past five years are now considered the most crucial component of the investigation. According to sources, the SIT has requested all audit reports, financial documents, and related records from the Trust. The investigating agency is attempting to determine whether any irregularities occurred during the processes of collecting, counting, depositing, and accounting for donation funds. However, sources indicate that certain essential details have not yet been provided. Investigating officers believe that a concrete conclusion can only be reached once the complete records are obtained.

Separate Police Investigation: Scrutiny of CCTV and Donation Boxes
Alongside the SIT’s proceedings, the police are also advancing their own investigation. A police team visited the temple and inspected the donation boxes. Officials examined the entire procedure—from how the boxes are opened and the funds extracted to how the money is counted and subsequently deposited in the bank. According to sources, the police have also secured CCTV footage, which is currently undergoing technical analysis. Investigating officers are also examining the division of responsibilities among personnel during the process and the oversight mechanisms in place at various levels.

Investigation Extends to Pratapgarh
The scope of the investigation has now expanded beyond Ayodhya. According to sources, a police team visited the Pratapgarh village of the accused, Avinash Shukla, and questioned his family members. Certain documents were seized during this visit, and the police are currently cross-referencing them with other records. However, investigating agencies reportedly remain unsatisfied with the responses received so far. Sources indicate a lack of clarity in the answers to several questions, as well as emerging contradictions on certain points that are now being further investigated.

Investigation Reaches Bank Employees
According to sources, the scope of the investigation by the police and the SIT is no longer limited to temple staff; it has now extended to bank employees as well. Efforts are underway to determine which employees were deployed to count the offerings, the criteria used for their selection, and whether recommendations or influence played a role at any stage. It is reported that disciplinary proceedings are also being initiated against certain bank employees, although no official announcement has been made in this regard yet. The matter is currently being investigated at two levels concerning individuals associated with the trust: while an SIT is examining administrative and financial aspects, the police are simultaneously conducting a criminal investigation. Consequently, the scope of the investigation may expand further in the coming days.