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The Latest Breaking News from Ayodhya

'Vote chori, seat chori, chanda chori' is BJP's three-pronged strategy: Congress over Ram Temple row

The Congress has accused the BJP-RSS of a "chanda chori" (donation scam) at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, alleging thousands of crores were siphoned off. Party leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the Prime Minister and Home Minister's silence on the matter, calling the RSS statement on the issue "disgraceful." An FIR…

The Economic Times

'Dissolve Ram Mandir trust': Ex-Ram Lalla litigant Dharmdas amid donation probe

A former litigant for Ram Lalla, Mahant Dharmdas, has called for the dissolution of the Ram Mandir trust and the registration of all donated assets in the Deity's name amid an embezzlement probe. He expressed faith in the SIT's investigation, which has been granted a 15-day extension. Police have also…

The Economic Times

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra not answerable to govt: Ministry of Home Affairs

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust operates autonomously, with no accountability to the Centre or Uttar Pradesh government, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. This independent status was confirmed by the CIC, ruling the trust outside the RTI Act's purview. Ahead of a crucial July 6 meeting, the…

The Economic Times

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"Money siphoned off": BJP leader Vinay Katiyar says Champat Rai, Anil Mishra could soon face jail in Ram Mandir embezzlement case

"The SIT team investigating the alleged misappropriation of funds donated to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple has extended its tenure by 15 days. The investigation is on its second day," he said.

The Economic Times

SIT in Ram Mandir embezzlement case intensifies probe, UP Police question accused Avinash Shukla

A Special Investigation Team is intensifying its probe into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple, with a 15-day extension granted for a comprehensive inquiry. Accused Avinash Shukla, involved in counting offerings, is currently being questioned. The controversy erupted after allegations of misappropriated funds, leading to an FIR and…

The Economic Times

Faizabad Bar Association seeks FIR against Champat Rai, others

Lawyers in Ayodhya have protested alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donation money, demanding an FIR against Champat Rai, former general secretary of the trust, and others. Police are investigating, with jailed accused Avinash Shukla taken into custody for further questioning. Meanwhile, a notice has been issued regarding alleged unauthorized construction…

The Economic Times

Ram Nivas temple head levels shrine grab charge against Champat Rai; Akhilesh Yadav seeks probe

A priest from a centuries-old temple near Ayodhya's Ram Mandir has accused Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and his associates of illegally seizing control of the shrine using forged documents. Hari Shankar Safariwala claims the temple, valued at Rs 50 crore, has been under their…

The Economic Times

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Ram temple donation row: 'What transpired is confidential', says police after questioning Champat Rai

Ayodhya police have recorded the statement of Champat Rai, former general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, as part of the probe into alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations. Rai had previously offered to resign, taking moral responsibility for the controversy. The investigation is ongoing, with police…

The Economic Times

Ayodhya: Fresh raids, recoveries in Ram temple donation theft case

Amid growing allegations of misappropriation of donations intended for the Ram temple, Ayodhya police are bolstering their investigation with fresh searches. They've recovered substantial amounts of cash, gold, silver, and foreign currency, along with a QR code-enabled donation box.

The Economic Times

The making of Champat Rai: From trusted organiser to Ayodhya’s most controversial figure

In 1990, when L K Advani set out on his Rath Yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya, the journey didn’t survive contact with Bihar – Lalu Yadav’s government had him arrested in Samastipur. Into that vacuum stepped Ashok Singhal, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s then general secretary, who slipped into Ayodhya and…

Newslaundry

Ram temple donation case: Security agency denies role, says recruited SBI staff on bank's request

A private security firm has distanced itself from the alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations, stating it merely supplied 22 personnel for housekeeping duties to the State Bank of India's Ayodhya branch. The agency's director clarified they had no involvement in assigning tasks related to donation management. This statement comes…

The Economic Times

Arvind Kejriwal leaves 'mysterious' information for tomorrow after questioning why didn't Amit Shah visit Ram Temple

Arvind Kejriwal has questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah's absence from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, alleging the BJP uses Lord Ram for votes but fails to visit the shrine. Kejriwal pointed out that despite the temple's establishment, Shah has not visited, posing several questions about his faith and intentions.…

The Economic Times

'BJP looted Ram Mandir more than Ghaznavi': UBT Sena MP Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has accused the BJP of "Ram-droh" (treason against Lord Ram) over alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations, comparing it to historical temple lootings. He linked this to the alleged house arrest of UP Congress chief Ajay Rai, suggesting Rai was stopped from exposing corruption.

The Economic Times

"Direct assault on religious faith": Jairam Ramesh alleges PM silent on Ram Mandir donation row

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of silence regarding alleged embezzlement of Ram Mandir donations, calling it an "assault on religious faith." This follows the arrest of UP Congress chief Ajay Rai while en route to Ayodhya. Rai alleged the UP government is "offering thieves" and…

The Economic Times

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The Economic Times

SBI wanted to change cash-counting staff at Ram temple 3 months ago: Sources

State Bank of India reportedly sought to replace cash-counting staff at the Ayodhya Ram temple three months ago due to suspicions of fund diversion, but the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust allegedly intervened. An FIR was filed, and eight individuals have been arrested following an SIT report, with significant…

The Economic Times

Ram temple donation row: Ayodhya lawyers boycott accused; demand for CBI probe; SC refuses urgent hearing

Separately, a plea seeking a time-bound investigation by a CBI-led multi-disciplinary team came before the Supreme Court, but the vacation bench questioned the urgency and postponed the hearing until after the summer break, saying "heavens are not going to fall".

Newslaundry

South Central 81: Ayodhya Ram temple trust allegations and the politics of defections

Was the lack of structure in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust by design? With allegations of corruption surfacing in the temple’s management, does the buck stop at the Prime Minister’s door?

The Economic Times

Ayodhya donation theft: UP Police probe assets of 22-year-old accused earning Rs 15,000 a month

A 22-year-old earning ₹15,000 monthly is under UP Police scrutiny for allegedly acquiring a ₹65-lakh house, a new farmhouse, a ₹1-lakh motorcycle, and a booked SUV. Investigators are probing if these assets, including a lavish village event, were funded by siphoned Ram temple donations. The probe is expanding to other…

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The Economic Times

'Ram ko loota, desh ko loota': Sibal takes dig at BJP on Ram temple donation theft

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has called for the defeat of the BJP government, accusing them of looting the nation and even Lord Ram, dismissing their "achche din" slogan as false. His remarks come amid allegations of donation embezzlement at the Ayodhya Ram temple, leading to an SIT investigation and…

The Economic Times

Accused in Ram Mandir donation theft facing legal, social consequences: BJP

Accused in the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft face legal action and social boycott, reflecting Hindu society's sentiments. The Faizabad Bar Association resolved not to represent the eight arrested individuals, imposing a hefty penalty for violations. BJP highlighted this as a powerful message against betraying faith, while also criticizing opposition…

The Economic Times

Ram temple donation theft: Lawyers resolves not to defend accused; penalty for violators

Ram temple donation case: Ayodhya lawyers have resolved not to represent eight individuals arrested for alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations, imposing a Rs 5 lakh penalty for any violation. The Bar Association also demanded that three temple management officials leave Ayodhya within three days, threatening a city blockade if…

The Economic Times

Ram Mandir donation case: 8 accused to appear before Ayodhya court today; Bar Association to decide on defending them

Ram Mandir news: Eight individuals accused in the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case are set for judicial custody proceedings today in Ayodhya. The local bar association is deliberating whether its lawyers will represent the accused, with a decision expected to favor the temple's interests. An FIR was registered following…

The Economic Times

Kejriwal questions Ram temple donation probe, calls arrests a 'cover-up'

Arvind Kejriwal has questioned the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation probe, alleging that only low-level employees have been arrested while key figures remain free. He highlighted that only Rs 80 lakh has been recovered from an alleged Rs 200 crore theft, calling it a cover-up. Kejriwal also announced plans for a…

The Economic Times

Ram temple donation embezzlement probe widens; bank officials under scrutiny

Ayodhya Police have intensified their probe into alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations, conducting raids on eight accused and expanding the investigation to include bank officials. Investigators are meticulously tracing the money trail, examining deposit procedures, and seeking to recover evidence. The probe aims to uncover the full extent of…

The Economic Times

Ram Mandir embezzlement case: Police raid houses of 8 arrested

Ayodhya police conducted simultaneous raids at the residences of eight individuals arrested for alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations. Searches yielded documents and bank details, with authorities questioning family and neighbours. The accused, involved in counting temple donations, face charges including theft and criminal conspiracy. Investigators have recovered over Rs…

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