Ram Temple Donation Probe Intensifies: SIT Seeks Answers from VHP Functionary, Questions Champat Rai’s Close Associate Over Assets and Finances
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has intensified its investigation by seeking explanations from a senior functionary associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and conducting extensive questioning of a close associate of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra General Secretary Champat Rai.
As part of its expanding inquiry, the SIT has served a detailed questionnaire to the VHP office-bearer linked to the management system surrounding the temple’s offerings.
The questionnaire reportedly seeks clarifications on various aspects related to the administration and management of donations received at the shrine.
Sources said the VHP functionary maintained that his involvement was limited to extending cooperation from the perspective of a stakeholder associated with the trust and that he had no direct role in the matters under investigation.
He is also understood to have expressed his displeasure before the trust regarding the development and informed authorities that he would submit a written response only after consulting legal counsel.
Investigators have reportedly prepared an extensive set of questions after examining records and scrutinising matters relating to financial transactions and related dealings.
The questionnaire seeks detailed written responses concerning various issues that surfaced during the examination of documents and records.
Meanwhile, the SIT on Wednesday carried out prolonged questioning of Ramshankar Yadav, popularly known as Tinnu Yadav, who is widely considered to be a close associate of Champat Rai.
The interrogation began at around 11 am in the Green Room located within the Ram Janmabhoomi complex and continued until late in the evening.
According to sources, investigators questioned Tinnu Yadav on several allegations and sought detailed explanations on multiple aspects of the case.
The inquiry reportedly focused on financial transactions, property holdings and the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of assets.
The investigation team also summoned Tinnu Yadav again and directed him to produce documentary evidence relating to his financial affairs and properties.
Investigators sought a comprehensive account of his past and present assets, attempting to determine the extent of his property holdings before and after the period under scrutiny.
Officials reportedly sought details regarding the location of his properties, the manner in which they were acquired and the sources of funds used for their purchase.
The questioning also extended to financial records, with investigators demanding several important documents, including income tax returns and other financial disclosures.
The SIT’s latest actions indicate that the investigation has moved beyond examining the alleged mishandling of temple offerings and is now focused on tracing financial links, verifying asset accumulation and scrutinising the financial backgrounds of individuals associated with the temple’s administrative ecosystem.
The inquiry is expected to continue as investigators attempt to establish whether any irregularities occurred in the collection, storage and management of donations offered by devotees at one of the country’s most prominent religious institutions.
