Ayodhya: The investigation into the case of alleged irregularities and theft in the amount of offerings in Ram temple has intensified. In this sequence, the police interrogated Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, for about three hours. According to sources, during the interrogation, the investigating officers asked many important questions related to the administrative system of the trust, security of offerings, accountability of employees and the process of redressal of complaints. The police are now matching their statements with other witnesses and available documents.
On which issues the inquiry took place?
The investigation team questioned Champat Rai in detail regarding the management of offerings worth lakhs of rupees coming to the temple, security arrangements, monitoring of employees and financial control. According to sources, after not getting satisfactory answers to some questions, the police is now verifying the facts from the available records and statements of other concerned people. If any contradiction comes to light in the investigation, they can be called for questioning again.
Did he deny any role in the theft?
During interrogation, Champat Rai clearly denied any personal role in the theft of the offerings. He told the police that as soon as he got information about the financial irregularities, he gave instructions to take immediate action. According to him, the process of arresting the suspects also started on his request and an FIR was immediately lodged with the local police.
Did he accept administrative responsibility?
Although Champat Rai denied involvement in the theft, he admitted that it was part of his administrative responsibility to ensure the safety of the daily offerings coming to the temple. The investigating agencies are now trying to find out at what level the security lapse took place and how theft of such a huge amount was possible.
What was said about the main accused Tinnu Yadav?
During interrogation, the police also asked questions about the main accused Tinnu Yadav. Champat Rai said that Tinnu Yadav was associated with the trust for a long time and there was never any suspicion on him before. He said that the name of such an old associate coming forward in such a case is surprising even for him.
Questions raised on recruitment process also?
The process of appointments in the trust also remained a topic of discussion during the investigation. Police also questioned allegations of giving jobs to relatives and acquaintances. On this, Champat Rai said that appointments in the temple are made giving priority to the needy people and this decision is not made by any one person. He said that other senior officials of the Trust are also involved in the recruitment process.
In which direction is the investigation moving?
The police are now matching Champat Rai’s statement, the statements of the employees and the administrative records of the trust. The objective of the investigating agencies is to find out how long the theft of offerings was going on, how many people were involved in it and the total amount embezzled. If new facts emerge in the investigation, the possibility of questioning more people or taking new action in the case cannot be ruled out.
