Akhilesh seeks SIT probe into 'record-breaking Ayodhya visits’ amid funds row
SP chief counters Yogi Adityanath’s appeal against speculation, calls for scrutiny as political sparring intensifies over alleged donation fund misappropriation at the Ram Temple
Lucknow, Jun 19 (PTI) Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into "someone's record-breaking visits to Ayodhya".
In a post on X in Hindi, Yadav, said, "One SIT should also be constituted into the record-breaking Ayodhya visits." His remarks came after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged all parties to refrain from making baseless comments that could hurt the sentiments of devotees.
Speaking in Ayodhya on Friday, Adityanath said a three-member SIT constituted by the state government to investigate allegations of embezzlement of funds at the Ram Temple would bring out the truth.
"I have an appeal for all devotees of Lord Ram regarding the news reports concerning Ayodhya. At the trust's request, we have ordered an SIT investigation, and I can assure you that this probe will bring the absolute truth to light. There is no doubt about that," Adityanath said.
On June 13, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted the SIT following a request from the temple trust to investigate allegations of misappropriation of donation funds.
The probe was ordered after Yadav, on June 7, cited reports alleging that crores of rupees from donations offered at the Ram temple were missing and urged the courts to take cognisance of the matter.
The alleged fund embezzlement has since triggered a political sparring between the ruling BJP and the opposition. PTI