New Delhi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has submitted its report regarding the theft of offerings at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The SIT has given a clean chit to Champat Rai, the former General Secretary of the Shri Janmabhoomi Temple, and Anil Mishra, a member of the trust. Their names do not appear in the list of accused in the SIT report concerning the theft.
The Uttar Pradesh Home Department had constituted the SIT to investigate the matter. Champat Rai had resigned from his position in the trust after his name surfaced in connection with the theft. The report identifies eight individuals as accused: Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar, Subhash Srivastava, and Ramashankar Yadav (alias Tinnu).
Champat and Anil Resigned Immediately After SIT Formation
As reports of the theft of offerings at the Ram Temple gained momentum, the state government promptly constituted an SIT. Subsequently, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra distanced themselves from the trust and resigned from their respective posts. Following his resignation, Champat Rai decided to observe a four-month Chaturmas Sadhana (a period of spiritual practice) in Ayodhya.
He will remain in Ayodhya until November 21, chanting the ‘Ram Mantra’ and reciting the Ramcharitmanas. Champat Rai observes silence for approximately six hours daily as part of his spiritual practice. He has been in seclusion at the Tirth Kshetra Bhavan in Ramkot since June 7. He has been associated with the Ram Temple Trust since its inception.
Selection for the Post via Interviews
Meanwhile, interviews are being conducted for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. The selection process has reached its final stage, and the round of interviews is underway. A final panel of three names has also been prepared.
According to sources, two prominent officials from Uttar Pradesh appear to be the frontrunners for this position. According to sources, the names of Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and Rajesh Pandey are being discussed most prominently for this role. Meanwhile, the selection process for the position of Ram Mandir CEO has been quite long and rigorous.
Initially, 5,585 applications were received from across the country. Of these, 3,877 candidates submitted their detailed resumes, after which the interview phase began.
Opposition Raises the Issue
It is worth noting that the issue of theft of offerings at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was first raised by SP chief and former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav. Subsequently, the UP government swung into action and immediately constituted an SIT to investigate the matter. UP CM Yogi Adityanath had promised a thorough and transparent investigation into the theft. All eyes are now on how the opposition views the SIT’s investigation.
