Ram Mandir donation theft: Champat Rai named witness, not accused, in chargesheet

Ayodhya: Champat Rai, former administrator Gopal Rao, former trustee Anil Mishra and interim general secretary Krishna Mohan are named as witnesses in the chargesheet, officials said.

The Special Investigation Team filed the chargesheet on Wednesday against eight arrested accused, including Tinnu Yadav and Subhash Srivastava. Ayodhya SSP Gaurav Grover said the court has accepted it and all eight are in judicial custody. Charges include criminal breach of trust and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. 

The SIT had given a clean chit to Rai and Mishra last month. Both stepped down on June 27 after allegations of irregularities emerged. Rai reportedly told investigators he had himself lodged the complaint that led to the arrests. 

In a status report to the Supreme Court, the SIT said CCTV cameras at the temple captured 105 instances of theft. 

The filing drew protest from local lawyers. Ayodhya Bar Association president Kalika Prasad Mishra said the association had earlier sought an inquiry into the roles of Rai, Mishra and Rao. Objections from the bar also led to the deferral of a bail hearing for two accused. 

A chargesheet does not establish guilt, and the accused will contest the charges in court.