Ayodhya Ram temple donation probe extended by 15 days

Representation pic

The Uttar Pradesh government has extended the tenure of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya by 15 days, pushing the deadline to July 15.

The extension comes after the SIT sought more time to widen the scope of its investigation. The development coincides with fresh political attacks by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and the hospitalisation of Ram Janmabhoomi Trust chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das.

Political flashpoint

Arvind Kejriwal alleged the BJP "seeks votes in the name of Lord Ram" but "does not consider him God", claiming devotees were hurt by the alleged donation theft. He also claimed senior BJP leaders had not visited the temple. The BJP had not responded at the time of going to press.

Who has been arrested?

Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav.

Official speak

"The SIT had sought additional time... Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed it to submit its report by July 15," an official statement said.

Trust update

Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, 89, chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, is in the ICU at Medanta Hospital after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. His condition has cast uncertainty over his attendance at the Trust's July 6 meeting.

Quick view

>>SIT formed: June 13
>>Preliminary report submitted: June 23
>>FIR registered: June 25
>>Arrests made: Eight accused
>>New deadline: July 15

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