Shankaracharya from Jyotirmata, Swami Avimukteshwaranandan Saraswati, questioned the impartiality of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by the Uttar Pradesh government regarding alleged irregularities in donation collection at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He asserts that violations occurred at many levels from the very beginning of the temple project, and changes are now necessary throughout the temple's management.
Requirements for Temple Management
Upon arriving in Lucknow, Swami Avimukteshwaranandan stated that the issue goes beyond the alleged theft from the donation box. He insists that irregularities happened at several stages—from the purchase of land for the temple and carrying out construction work to counting donations.
He emphasized that the management of Ram Mandir should be carried out by people who consider Lord Rama as the supreme deity. The Swami accused the central government of sidelining sadhus, priests, and speakers associated with the Ram Mandir movement, including its own people in the trust society who managed the temple like an office rather than a religious place.
Questions Regarding the SIT Investigation
Swami Avimukteshwaranandan expressed doubt about the objectivity of the investigation, as both the trust society and the SIT were formed by the government. He also questioned how the preliminary report of the SIT could have reached the trust society when it was supposed to remain a confidential document.
Comments on Champat Rai
He also criticized the recent statement by the former general secretary of the trust society, Champat Rai. The Swami pointed out that Champat Rai initially described the matter as a routine audit despite the discovery of cash. He noted that if such statements were made earlier, how reliable his response would be after the investigation is complete.
It should be noted that following the alleged irregularities in donation counting at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the Uttar Pradesh government established the SIT upon the recommendation of the trust society. A criminal case was registered after signs of alleged theft were found during the initial inspection, and eight people involved in donation counting have been arrested so far. The investigation is ongoing.
