Avimukteshwaranand questions independence of SIT probing Ram temple donation case

Lucknow, Jul 8 (PTI) Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotirmath on Wednesday questioned the credibility of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Ram temple donation theft and alleged that irregularities had occurred at multiple stages since the temple project began. He also called for a complete overhaul of the temple's management. Speaking to PTI Videos after arriving in Lucknow as part of his state-wide "Gau Pratishtha Dharmayuddh Yatra", the seer said the issue was not confined to a single instance of theft from a donation box. "There have been irregularities ever since donations started coming to the temple. There were irregularities during land purchases, during construction and now in the handling of donations," he claimed. Asserting that the temple administration should be entrusted to religious leaders, Avimukteshwaranand said only those who regard Lord Ram as the "Supreme Being" should be managing the shrine. The seer also criticised the RSS, alleging that it does not regard Lord Ram as God, and questioned how people "holding such views" could manage the temple. He alleged that the Centre had sidelined saints, priests and litigants associated with the Ram temple movement and installed its own functionaries in the temple administration, who handled it like "an office and not a temple". Commenting on the SIT investigation into the donation theft, Avimukteshwaranand questioned its independence. "What will the SIT probe achieve? The government constituted both the (Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra) Trust and the SIT. If the same government has created both, how can they be considered independent?" he asked. He also questioned how the SIT's preliminary report reached the Trust, pointing out that it was a confidential document that should not have been made public. Referring to the Trust's former general secretary Champat Rai's recent statement that he would respond after the investigation is completed, the seer alleged that Rai had earlier dismissed the matter despite recoveries already having been made in the case. "Cash was recovered on June 5. And on June 7, he (Rai) said it was a routine audit, and there was nothing noteworthy. If someone has already made such statements, what will he say after the probe? He has already spoken falsely, and that is proven," Avimukteshwaranand alleged. He said Champat Rai should be ashamed of his deeds. Rai, vice-president of Vishva Hindu Parishad, had recently said in an open letter circulated on social media that he would present his version after the investigation is completed and would respond to all allegations in due course. Rai is not mentioned as an accused in the police FIR. A controversy arose after alleged irregularities were detected in the counting of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Uttar Pradesh government constituted an SIT following the recommendation of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The SIT found prima facie evidence of embezzlement, following which an FIR was registered. Police have so far arrested eight people associated with the temple's donation-counting. The investigation is still underway. PTI KIS RUK RUK