RAM TEMPLE CHANDA CHORI: SIT finds management failure, administrative lapses

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in the Ram Temple management has found evidence of administrative lapses and supervisory failures and has not given a clean chit to any office bearer, employee or person associated with the temple's functioning, sources said.

- Biswajeet Banerjee

A senior SIT official told this reporter that the investigation agency has flagged the roles of senior trust functionaries, including General Secretary Champat Rai, trustee Anil Mishra and construction aide Gopal Rao, while investigations into allegations of commission and irregular land transactions are still under way.

“We have not given a clean chit to any senior official. We have interrogated Champat Rai and have issued notices to 80 Ram Mandir Trust office bearers, including Anil Mishra. We have found a money trail,” the official said.

Investigators have already recorded statements from several witnesses and are collecting documentary evidence. Gopal Rao, against whom multiple allegations have surfaced, also remains under the scanner.

“The SIT is separately investigating allegations that trustee Anil Mishra sought a 40% commission in certain dealings. Allegations of irregularities in land purchases and sales involving Champat Rai are also under scrutiny, as one of Rai's close aides purchased a large chunk of land and sold it the same day at an exorbitant rate,” the official said.