Ram Mandir donation scam: UP Police files FIR against 8 people; Mann 'sacrilege' video row deepens

An investigation into the alleged donation theft at the Ayodhya temple has intensified following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against eight people based on a preliminary probe by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The case involves the suspected pilferage of cash, silver, and gold by individuals managing the donation funds. Authorities have flagged procedural lapses, including dysfunctional surveillance cameras and the hiring of unverified ad hoc staff, while political groups demand a multi-agency probe. Concurrently, a political controversy has erupted in Punjab over a forged forensic report used by the government to dismiss a viral video concerning an alleged sacrilege incident. Gurugram police state that the forensic report was fabricated by unaccredited, non-existent laboratories for financial compensation. Investigators have taken suspects into custody to uncover the extent of this forged document network. Both cases highlight ongoing investigations into administrative malpractice, financial irregularities, and procedural breaches.