A local court on Monday sent eight accused in the Ram Mandir donation theft case to 14 days of judicial custody. Police did not ask for police remand.
The eight men appeared before the court through video link. After a short hearing, the court ordered them to remain in jail till July 13.
“This matter concerns the faith of crores of people. We will not defend the accused in this case.”
— Kalika Prasad Mishra, President, Ayodhya Bar Association
Earlier on Monday, police teams reached the State Bank of India branch in Ayodhya. They collected bank statements of seven of the accused. Officers will now check how much money entered their accounts after they joined the temple work. Police also issued notices to two bank staff members who took part in counting donations.
Local lawyers take strong stand
Lawyers in Ayodhya held a meeting and decided that no one from the local bar will defend the accused in this case. They warned that any lawyer who takes up the case may face a fine of five lakh rupees. The lawyers also asked three senior trust members — Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao — to leave Ayodhya.
Trust meeting rescheduled
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has advanced its meeting from July 11 to July 6. Sources say the meeting may take place in Kar Sewak Puram instead of Mani Ram Das Chhavni.Police earlier questioned Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao and recorded their statements. Champat Rai later left for Delhi.
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