"SIT formed in less than 24 hours, preliminary report due in 7 days": Ram Mandir construction panel chief on donation row
Ayodhya, June 14
Chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, Nripendra Mishra, on Sunday welcomed the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team to probe allegations related to donations made at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, stating that the speed of the government's response reflects its seriousness in addressing the matter.
Speaking to reporters, Mishra said the SIT was formed within 24 hours of the allegations surfacing and noted that senior officers had been entrusted with the investigation.
"The most praiseworthy aspect is that the state government acted in less than 24 hours to constitute the SIT and appointed very senior officers to it. We should support the initiative, given the speed at which the state government is acting...setting a timeframe of just 15 days," he said.
Highlighting the timeline fixed for the probe, Mishra said the committee has been tasked with submitting a preliminary report within a week.
"A preliminary report is due in seven days...the committee will make recommendations regarding any pending issues, identified shortcomings, and the necessary remedial measures," he added.
The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team comprising senior officials to examine allegations concerning donations received at the Ram Mandir. The SIT includes Vijay Vishwas Pant, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Lucknow; Kiran S, IPS, Inspector General of Police (Range); and Neel Ratan, Special Secretary, Finance.
The committee has been directed to submit both preliminary and final reports at the earliest.
The controversy stems from allegations by SP leader Pawan Pandey, former MLA from Ayodhya, who claimed that between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore in donations had been swindled.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also alleged that large sums of donated funds had gone missing. He also demanded a judicial probe into the matter.
He further alleged that the silence of the Uttar Pradesh government on the matter is suspicious, urging the judiciary to take cognisance of the situation and calling on the temple administration to make relevant CCTV footage public.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut had earlier blamed both the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government over the alleged irregularities.
However, Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has categorically rejected these claims. On June 8, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust member, Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj, refuted Akhilesh Yadav's allegations that crores in temple donations were missing.
Dinendra Das stressed that all transactions are properly recorded and processed transparently.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's good to see a quick response, but I hope this isn't just a PR move. If there really is corruption in temple donations, that's a breach of public trust. The SIT must include forensic audits and independent monitors, not just IAS/IPS officers. Let's wait for the preliminary report before celebrating.
Speed is good but why only senior officers? Should have included a chartered accountant for financial audit. Ram Mandir ka paisa hai, iska hisab-kitab crystal clear hona chahiye. Akhilesh bhai ke allegations mein dum hai ya nahi, SIT ko pata chalega. Bas CCTV footage bhi public karein toh logo ka bharosa aur badhega.
This is interesting. The SIT formation within 24 hours shows the government is serious, but I find it odd that they're only looking at financial aspects. What about donor transparency? People gave from their hearts - they deserve to know exactly how every rupee is spent. Let's see if this 15-day timeline is enough.
SIT toh acchi baat hai lekin yeh sab political mudda bana diya gaya hai. Ram Mandir sabka hai, kisi ek party ka nahi. Agar koi galti hui hai toh woh saamne aayegi. Lekin opposition bhi iska raajneetik fayda utha rahi hai. Umeed hai ki truth prevail karega. Jai Shri Ram! 🌸
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