Anil Kumar Mishra, a former trustee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and Champat Rai, the former general secretary, have been designated as prosecution witnesses in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities concerning donations from devotees at the Ram temple. This development follows significant political scrutiny surrounding their roles after the allegations surfaced.
Charge Sheet Filed in Corruption Case Involving Former Trust Officials
A charge sheet has been filed against eight accused in a corruption case, including two former senior officials of the Trust. This document, consisting of 59 pages, was submitted to the Anti-Corruption Court in Ayodhya on September 23. It cites 133 witnesses to support the allegations.
The arrests occurred on June 26, following a complaint lodged by Krishna Mohan, which led to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR). The charge sheet was submitted just two days before the statutory deadline of September 25, which is linked to the 90-day period following the initial arrests.
The witness status of Mishra and Rai is notable as both held key positions in the Trust during the period under investigation and were questioned about its donation-handling arrangements. Rai, who was general secretary during the period under investigation, was also questioned. Both subsequently resigned from their respective Trust positions. The allegations against all eight accused are part of the prosecution case and remain to be tested during trial. None of the accused has been convicted in the case and they are presumed innocent unless found guilty by a competent court.
Their resignations were announced by the Trust on June 27. The charge sheet invokes Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for alleged criminal breach of trust, along with Sections 317(2) and 317(5) concerning property allegedly derived from such an offence and its concealment, and Section 61(2) relating to criminal conspiracy. Analysis of CCTV footage and other digital evidence identified 105 instances of alleged unauthorised removal or concealment of currency inside the counting room, according to SIT status material placed before the Supreme Court.
Prosecution sanction under the Prevention of Corruption Act has also been obtained against the six counting agents, according to the investigation record.
