Ayodhya Bar asks Champat Rai to leave town, won't defend Ram temple theft accused

The Faizabad Bar Association on Monday unanimously resolved that none of its members would represent the eight people arrested in the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case.

The lawyers' body also gave Ram temple functionaries Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao three days to leave Ayodhya, warning of a city-wide blockade if they failed to comply.

The resolution was passed during the association's general body meeting amid outrage over the alleged embezzlement of devotees' donations.

The Bar also decided that any advocate who chooses to represent the accused would first have to deposit Rs 5 lakh per accused with the association.

Bar Association president Kalika Prasad Mishra said no member of the association would defend the eight arrested accused.

"If any lawyer still wishes to represent the accused, he or she will first have to submit an application and deposit Rs 5 lakh per accused with the Bar Association. The amount will be used to pursue the prosecution of the case," Mishra said, according to PTI.

VHP CALLS BAR MOVE 'POLITICAL'

The Vishva Hindu Parishad criticised the Bar Association's decision, saying every accused person is entitled to legal representation.

Reacting to the resolution, VHP International President Alok Kumar said, "The morality of our legal system says that even the worst of the criminal should get defence. The proposal of Ayodhya Bar Association appears to be political."

BAR SEEKS FIR AGAINST TEMPLE FUNCTIONARIES

Although Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao are associated with the management of the Ram temple, none of them has been named as an accused in the FIR.

Despite this, the Bar demanded that the three leave the temple town within three days. It warned that if they failed to do so, lawyers would block Ayodhya and prevent people from entering the city.

The association also resolved to seek registration of an FIR against the trio under Section 156(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Mishra said the Bar would first approach the police and, if no action was taken, move the courts.

The lawyers also decided to seek a CBI probe into the alleged embezzlement by approaching the Allahabad High Court and, if required, the Supreme Court.

Bar Association secretary Shailendra Jaiswal said the legal fraternity's sentiments had been deeply hurt by the alleged misappropriation of devotees' offerings, leading to the unanimous decision.

EIGHT ACCUSED IN JUDICIAL CUSTODY

The eight arrested accused - Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ram Shankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ramashankar alias Tinnu Yadav - were involved in counting cash and valuables donated at the Ram temple. They have been remanded to judicial custody until June 29.

Police on Sunday conducted searches at the residences of all eight accused as part of the ongoing investigation.

Champat Rai and Anil Mishra were unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts by PTI. However, Ravi Mishra, son of Anil Mishra, defended his father, saying he had worked tirelessly for the temple and had done nothing wrong.

Meanwhile, media coverage outside the main entrance of the Ram temple was barred on Monday morning, with police citing official orders.

PROBE REACHES BANKS, STAFF UNDER SCANNER

The investigation has now expanded to the banking system, with police issuing notices to six to seven banks, including the State Bank of India, Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda, seeking records linked to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Investigators have sought details of trust accounts, lockers and suspicious financial transactions as they trace the movement of funds and examine whether any irregularities occurred during the handling of donations.

Police are also scrutinising the banking records of the arrested accused and others linked to the trust. Officials believe the transaction trail could provide crucial leads and help establish whether more people were involved.

The role of bank staff has also come under the scanner. Investigators are examining whether there was any negligence or possible collusion in the counting of donations, their security and their transfer to banks.

According to sources, two State Bank of India employees, Ratnesh and Gagandeep, are being questioned as part of the probe. The two employees supervised six outsourced workers responsible for counting donations and transporting the cash safely to the bank. Most of those outsourced workers have already been arrested in the case.

Police have also reached the State Bank of India branch at Naya Ghat in Ayodhya, where the trust's primary bank account is maintained, and have begun questioning bank staff. Sources said the bank manager is also likely to be questioned, with investigators trying to determine whether lapses occurred during the counting, handling and deposit of donation money.

Investigators are examining bank records, CCTV footage and documents related to cash movement as the probe gathers pace. Sources said more revelations are expected as the banking trail is analysed.

DONATIONS, FOOTFALL UNAFFECTED

Even as the donation controversy continues, temple sources say there has been no impact on pilgrim footfall or donations.

According to bank sources, daily cash deposits, which earlier averaged around Rs 10-12 lakh, have now risen to nearly Rs 20-24 lakh. The increase is being attributed to the influx of devotees during the summer holidays.

Sources said around 50,000 to 60,000 devotees visit the Ram temple every day, with the number doubling on weekends and festival days.

While the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has not officially confirmed the recent rise in daily donations, its annual report shows the temple received Rs 153 crore in donations during the 2024-25 financial year. The trust's overall annual receipts stood at Rs 327 crore.

Since the consecration ceremony on January 22, 2024, an estimated 12 crore devotees have visited the Ram temple.

Temple authorities receive donations through more than 20 donation boxes placed along the Darshan Path, five computerised donation counters and online contributions. A 14-member team comprising 11 bank employees and three trust representatives counts the cash offerings.

RMO TRANSFERRED AFTER SIT SCRUTINY

Amid the controversy, Radio Maintenance Officer Arjun Dev has been transferred from Ayodhya to Gorakhpur after serving in the temple town for nearly 17 years.

According to sources, Arjun Dev oversaw the temple's wireless communication system and CCTV surveillance, including monitoring of the room where cash donations were counted.

An SIT report reportedly raised questions about his role, alleging that he exercised influence beyond his official responsibilities, including involvement in temple administration and VIP arrangements.

Sources said his transfer had been stalled several times in the past before finally being implemented.