Court Sends Three Accused in Ram Temple Donation Row to Police Custody

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – In a development that has added another twist to the ongoing saga around donations for the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, a local court on Tuesday handed police custody to three accused persons. The judges, after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence, decided that the suspects should be placed under police custody for a period of up to 15 days.

The three men – identified as Mohammad Asif, Shahid Khan and Rafiq Ahmad – are alleged to have played a role in diverting a sizable chunk of money that had been collected from devotees across the country. According to the prosecution, the funds were meant exclusively for the construction of the temple and associated community projects, but a portion supposedly vanished from the accounts held by a charitable trust.

Police officials say the case stems from a First Information Report (FIR) lodged in August last year after several donors complained that their contributions were not reflected in the trust’s bank statements. The investigation uncovered a trail of transactions leading to the three accused, who are now being questioned about the alleged misappropriation.

During the hearing, the prosecution highlighted the sensitivity of the issue, noting that the temple’s construction is not just a religious undertaking but also a political flashpoint. "The donors' faith has been violated," said the chief public prosecutor, emphasizing the need for a thorough inquiry to restore public confidence.

The defence, however, argued that the accusations are premature and that the accused are being used as scapegoats in a broader political narrative. “My clients have no involvement in any financial irregularities. They are being unfairly targeted,” said their counsel, urging the court to consider bail instead of custody.

Judge Ramesh Singh, who presided over the matter, acknowledged the gravity of the allegations but also noted that the evidence presented so far does not conclusively prove guilt. “Given the nature of the allegations and the potential for tampering with evidence, I deem police custody appropriate at this juncture,” he said, adding that the accused will have the opportunity to apply for bail after the custody period expires.

The decision has sparked reactions from across the political spectrum. A senior leader of the ruling party, while congratulating the court for taking a firm stand, warned that any attempt to shield the accused would be “politically reckless.” Conversely, opposition figures have condemned the move as a “show of force” aimed at intimidating those who question the party’s handling of temple funds.

For now, the three men are being transferred to the police station where they will be interrogated, and a fresh set of hearings is slated for later this month. The broader investigation into the temple’s financing continues, with authorities saying they are also looking into possible links to other charitable entities.

As the legal proceedings unfold, donors and observers alike are left watching closely, hoping that transparency will eventually prevail in what has become a deeply emotive and politically charged issue.