Champat Rai, Anil Mishra cleared in Ram Temple donation probe

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple has given a clean chit to former Trust general secretary Champat Rai and former member Anil Mishra, Times Now reports citing sources. The SIT’s final report, submitted to the Uttar Pradesh Home Department on Monday, does not name them, NDTV and The Federal confirm.

The report names only eight people already arrested in the case. It also notes lapses in monitoring and arrangements by the bank and trust during cash counting, sources told Times Now. The Trust has received the report for further action, The Federal adds.

The SIT was formed after Samajwadi Party leader Tej Narayan Pandey alleged that Rs 5 crore to Rs 7.5 crore from offerings had been stolen. The Supreme Court, which has backed the SIT, has allowed petitioners to suggest specific aspects for further investigation. A second SIT under the court's supervision continues to probe the matter.