The alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has triggered major developments, with all eight accused named in the FIR now under arrest and senior temple trust officials resigning from their positions. Authorities have said the investigation will continue and anyone found guilty will face strict action.

The First Information Report was registered following recommendations made by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe allegations of irregularities in the handling of donations received at the temple. The complaint was lodged by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

According to officials, the eight accused were associated with the process of counting cash and valuables offered by devotees at the temple. Senior officials confirmed that all those named in the FIR have been arrested and are currently being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.

Champat Rai and Anil Mishra step down

Amid the growing controversy, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai resigned from his post on moral grounds. Trust member Anil Mishra also submitted his resignation, officials confirmed. Their resignations come as scrutiny over the alleged misappropriation of temple donations intensifies.

Yogi Adityanath says guilty will not be spared

Addressing a public meeting in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said action began immediately after the SIT submitted its report. He asserted that no individual involved in wrongdoing would be exempted from legal action.

The chief minister described Ayodhya as a symbol of faith and said that public sentiments attached to Lord Ram and Sanatan Dharma cannot be compromised. He assured that the government would ensure a fair probe and separate truth from falsehood.

The issue has also sparked political reactions, with opposition leaders questioning the investigation and demanding accountability, while BJP leaders have maintained that strict action will be taken against all those responsible.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP and former AAP leader Raghav Chadha on Thursday intensified his attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding his resignation over the ongoing controversy surrounding a purported video linked to the Punjab leader.

Chadha alleged that recent developments in the investigation have exposed attempts to suppress the truth by using a fabricated forensic report. His remarks came after Haryana Police registered a case and arrested individuals accused of trying to arrange a fake forensic report connected to the controversial video.

The controversy centres on a purported video allegedly showing a person resembling Bhagwant Mann engaging in objectionable acts in the presence of images of Sikh gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The issue had earlier drawn criticism from Sikh religious bodies, with the Akal Takht declaring Mann “guru dokhi” and “Khalsa panth virodhi”.

Questioning Mann’s continuation as chief minister, Chadha claimed that the alleged attempt to procure a fabricated forensic report had removed doubts over whether the video was genuine, manipulated or AI-generated. He also sought a wider probe into the alleged conspiracy, asking investigators to examine whether government officials or public funds were involved in obtaining the report.

According to police, two people have been taken into custody in connection with the case. Investigators are probing allegations that the accused were approached to procure a forged forensic analysis of the video. Police have also indicated that the suspects were not associated with any government-recognised forensic laboratory.

Bhagwant Mann has rejected the allegations, maintaining that the video was fabricated and asserting that technology, including the possible use of masks, was employed to create misleading footage. The Punjab Chief Minister has accused political opponents of using the issue for political purposes.

The controversy has further sharpened political tensions in Punjab, with opposition parties and Sikh organisations stepping up demands for action against the chief minister.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is set to visit the United Kingdom from June 25 to 27 for high-level discussions aimed at ensuring the smooth implementation of the recently concluded India-UK trade agreement.

The visit comes ahead of the scheduled enforcement of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Double Contribution Convention (DCC) on July 15. During the trip, Goyal is expected to engage with senior British officials and industry representatives to review preparedness for the rollout of the landmark agreements.

Focus on implementation issues

During his stay in London, Goyal is expected to meet UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle to discuss key implementation-related matters, including operational frameworks, regulatory coordination and measures to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.

The discussions are also likely to cover industry concerns and unresolved issues related to the practical execution of the agreement, with both countries seeking a seamless transition before the pact comes into force.

Trade pact to take effect from July 15

India and the UK had earlier announced that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, along with the Double Contribution Convention, would become operational from July 15. The agreement is expected to deepen economic engagement between the two countries by reducing tariffs, improving market access and strengthening investment ties.

The upcoming visit is being viewed as a significant step in ensuring that businesses on both sides are prepared to benefit from the agreement from day one.