New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has intensified the investigation into the alleged theft of donations from the Ram temple, triggering unease within sections of the BJP and the wider Sangh Parivar, according to party insiders.
The State government formed a Special Investigation Team, SIT, to probe the allegations. Adityanath declared that no individual involved in the case would escape action. His statement has drawn attention because the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust includes senior figures linked to the RSS and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
According to sources quoted in the report, Adityanath’s approach aims to reinforce his image as a leader who places accountability above political considerations. The report states that Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and senior trustee Anil Mishra resigned after growing pressure from the State government. Sources said both leaders initially resisted stepping down before Adityanath publicly warned of strict consequences for anyone found guilty of betraying public faith.
The SIT also invited Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh to submit documents linked to his earlier allegations of irregularities involving land purchases and temple donations. Singh claimed he provided documents connected to the alleged land scam and accused trust officials of facilitating financial irregularities.
The report states that the SIT’s preliminary findings indicated several arrested individuals had been appointed by Rai and Mishra. It also noted complaints regarding missing donations remained unaddressed for months before authorities launched action.
Sources quoted in the report said Adityanath had expressed dissatisfaction over his exclusion from the temple trust when it was formed in 2020. They also claimed appointments to key positions were decided by the central leadership without consulting him.
The controversy has drawn attention across political circles. According to the report, the RSS has not issued any public statement on the matter. The allegations have also renewed discussion over transparency, accountability and the management of public donations linked to religious institutions.
