Ram Mandir donations row: Lawyers' body demands FIR against Champat Rai, Anil Mishra
A delegation met Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover and demanded urgent action in the matter
The Faizabad Bar Association has threatened additional protests if no First Information Report (FIR) is filed against former Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai, former trustee Anil Mishra, and temple official Gopal Rao. This comes amid allegations of irregularities in managing donations at the Ram Mandir.
During a general body meeting, lawyers accused the government and administration of shielding the three individuals and granting them immunity. A delegation subsequently met Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover, demanding immediate action. The Bar Association had previously resolved not to represent the eight individuals arrested in the donation embezzlement case and imposed a ₹5 lakh fine on any member who violated this decision.
They also demanded that Rai, Mishra, and Rao leave Ayodhya, threatening stronger action if they did not comply. Bar Association secretary Shailendra Jaiswal expressed that the alleged theft of temple offerings had deeply hurt the sentiments of lawyers and devotees. The controversy began in June, leading to the registration of an FIR on June 25 against eight accused for alleged theft and misappropriation of cash and valuables donated to the temple.
The Faizabad Bar Association had submitted a complaint seeking an FIR against Rai, Mishra, and Rao, claiming their involvement in the embezzlement and requesting a thorough investigation. The controversy resulted in Rai and Mishra resigning from their positions in the temple trust. However, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) later submitted its final report, reportedly clearing Rai and Mishra of the donation-theft allegations.
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