'Police records have inconsistencies': Faizabad Bar Association files fourth Ram Temple complaint

Ayodhya: The Faizabad Bar Association on Thursday submitted its fourth complaint in the alleged Ram Temple fund embezzlement case, seeking the registration of an FIR against former Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, former trustee Anil Mishra and other members of the trust.

The complaint was submitted at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station after the association called off its proposed foot march, saying police had assured them that an FIR would be registered.

Bar Association president Kalika Prasad Mishra said the complaint was separate from the earlier FIR in which eight people were arrested.

'This is our fourth complaint. For us, this will be the first FIR because it is against different people,' Mishra said, adding that more names could be included during the investigation.

Questioning the earlier probe, Mishra alleged there were inconsistencies in the police's recovery records and claimed the force had failed to safeguard temple donations despite heavy security arrangements.

He also demanded a CBI probe into the alleged embezzlement and sought the Enforcement Directorate's intervention, saying the amount of money involved warranted a central investigation.

While allegations suggest crores of rupees and valuables may have been siphoned off, official records currently document a theft of Rs 79.85 lakh.

Investigators have recovered Rs 20.39 lakh from accused Avinash Shukla, Rs 16.82 lakh from Anukalp Mishra and Rs 14.25 lakh from Lavkush Mishra. Another accused, Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, was allegedly caught with Rs 1 lakh in cash.