SIT finds proof against 8 in Ram temple donation row: Yogi

On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple had found evidence against eight people out of nearly 150 involved in counting offerings. He added that the actions of a few should not tarnish the reputation of the entire Temple Trust.

Chief Minister accused the Congress and the Samajwadi Party of trying to harm Ayodhya’s reputation because of this case.

While defending the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Adityanath said at an event in Chitrakoot that after the case came to light, opposition parties became active and used it as a chance to criticise Ayodhya.

“You must have heard the recent reports. Congress and the Samajwadi Party suddenly became active. These are parties that have historically criticised Ayodhya, and they found an issue to exploit,” he told the gathering in Chitrakoot.

The chief minister said the Trust informed the government that it had received reports of alleged theft during the counting of donations and asked for a high-level SIT to be formed.

“We accepted the Trust’s recommendation and set up a high-level SIT. The investigation found evidence against six people directly involved in the theft and two others who were part of the conspiracy. Based on the SIT’s recommendations, the Trust filed an FIR, and action was taken,” he said.

He pointed out that about 150 people count offerings at the temple, but the alleged wrongdoing was limited to a small group. He urged devotees and citizens to stay alert to such incidents.

Questioning the Opposition’s criticism, Yogi Adityanath said, “When action has been taken against the accused, what is the justification for defaming the entire Trust, questioning Ayodhya and insulting the legacy of Lord Ram? It appears the Congress and the Samajwadi Party have taken a contract to attack India’s faith.”