1 week ago
Faizabad Lawyers Demand FIR in Ram Mandir Donations Case
Lawyers in Faizabad are asking police to investigate three people over alleged problems with Ram Mandir donations.
They say the government and local administration are protecting the people they named.
The lawyers want an FIR, which is the formal start of a police case.
They warned that they will protest more if an FIR is not filed.
Police had already registered a case against eight other people in June.
That case concerns alleged theft and misuse of cash and valuables donated by devotees.
The lawyers also said they would not defend the eight arrested people.
However, an investigation team reportedly cleared Champat Rai and Anil Mishra of the donation-theft allegations.
The Faizabad Bar Association accused authorities of protecting Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao.
Lawyers demanded an FIR against the three and warned of further agitation if action is not taken.
An FIR was registered on June 25 against eight other people over alleged theft and misappropriation of temple offerings.
The association said on June 29 that its members would not represent the arrested accused and could face a Rs 5 lakh fine.
Rai and Mishra resigned from temple-trust positions, while the investigating SIT reportedly cleared them of donation-theft allegations.
- Who
- The Faizabad Bar Association, former trust officials Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, temple official Gopal Rao, and investigating authorities.
- What
- The lawyers demanded an FIR against Rai, Mishra and Rao over alleged irregularities and embezzlement involving Ram Mandir donations.
- Where
- Faizabad and Ayodhya, in connection with donations at the Ram Mandir.
- When
- The dispute came to light in June; an FIR against eight people was registered on June 25, the lawyers’ representation decision was made on June 29, and the latest demand was reported on August 22.
- Why
- The association alleges that temple offerings were stolen or mishandled and that authorities are protecting those it named.
Faizabad Bar Association’s allegations
Investigation findings and reported clearances
Whether Rai, Mishra and Rao should face an FIR
Faizabad Bar Association’s allegations
The lawyers allege the three were involved in donation-related embezzlement and say authorities are protecting them, so an FIR should be registered.
Investigation findings and reported clearances
The articles do not report that an FIR was registered against the three. The SIT reportedly cleared Rai and Mishra of the donation-theft allegations; the reports do not state a final finding about Gopal Rao.
Treatment of the eight arrested accused
Faizabad Bar Association’s allegations
The association says the alleged theft hurt the sentiments of lawyers and devotees and has decided not to represent the eight arrested people.
Investigation findings and reported clearances
The articles report that the eight people were arrested in the existing case, but do not provide their response or the prosecution’s position on the lawyers’ boycott.
Key facts
- FIR against eight accused
- A case was registered on June 25 over alleged theft and misappropriation of cash and valuables offered by devotees.
- Lawyers’ demand
- The Faizabad Bar Association wants an FIR against Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao.
- Proposed protest
- The association warned of further agitation if an FIR is not registered.
- Representation boycott
- On June 29, lawyers resolved not to represent the eight people arrested in the donation case.
- Penalty
- The association said members violating the boycott could face a Rs 5 lakh fine.
- Resignations
- The controversy led Champat Rai and Anil Mishra to resign from positions in the temple trust.
- SIT report
- The investigation team’s final report reportedly cleared Rai and Mishra of the donation-theft allegations.
Quotes
Shailendra Jaiswal
Secretary of the Faizabad Bar Association
“The sentiments of all of us have been hurt by the theft of temple offerings. The lawyers of Faizabad have agreed not to plead on behalf of the arrested accused.”
telegraphindia.com
theprint.in
Sources
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