LUCKNOW: Expressing confidence that the SIT probe into the alleged embezzlement of funds at the Ayodhya Ram temple will bring the truth to light, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday urged all parties to refrain from making baseless comments that could hurt the feelings of devotees.“We waited for 500 years; now wait another 15 days,” he said.Adityanath made the remarks in Ayodhya after announcing that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe allegations of irregularities involving donations made at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.The chief minister said the state government acted on a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and assured that the investigation would establish the facts.“My appeal to all Ram devotees is this: at the request of the trust, we have ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry. I can assure you that the SIT investigation will separate truth from falsehood,” he said.He urged people and political parties to avoid making statements without evidence.“I request everyone and all parties involved to refrain from baseless comments or statements that hurt the sentiments of Ram devotees. If anyone has any documentary evidence, they should kindly submit it to the SIT,” Adityanath added.The three-member SIT was constituted on June 14 following a formal request from the temple trust. It has been tasked with examining allegations of financial misappropriation linked to offerings at the temple.The team comprises Vijay Vishwas Pant, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Lucknow; Kiran S, IPS, IG (Range); and Neel Ratan, Special Secretary, Finance. It has been directed to submit its preliminary and final reports at the earliest.Adityanath said strict action would follow if anyone was found guilty.“If anyone is guilty, whoever they may be, they will not be spared—this is certain,” he said, adding that attempts to mislead or defame Ayodhya would not be tolerated.The chief minister also appealed for restraint, saying devotees had already waited centuries for the temple and should allow the probe to take its course.“My fearless appeal to all Ram devotees is this: Lord Ram taught us the value of dignity and righteous conduct. We should uphold that dignity,” he said.He accused those making allegations without evidence of attempting to tarnish the image of Ayodhya and the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.“Do not be misled by those who seek to defame Ayodhya and insult the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. These people never wanted Ayodhya to gain recognition or respect. Today, through misinformation campaigns, they are trying to insult Ayodhya Dham, the foremost among our sacred pilgrimage cities,” he said.The controversyEarlier this month, Samajwadi Party leader and former MLA from Ayodhya, Pawan Pandey, alleged that donations worth Rs 7 crore to Rs 7.5 crore made at the temple had been misappropriated.Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded an impartial inquiry and questioned the government’s silence on the issue. He also sought the release of CCTV footage related to the alleged irregularities.Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also alleged wrongdoing and accused both the Centre and Uttar Pradesh government of involvement in the matter.The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, however, rejected all allegations, stating that all donations and transactions were properly recorded and handled transparently.“An SIT should also be formed to investigate someone’s record-breaking ‘Ayodhya’ visits,” Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X, responding to the chief minister’s remarks.Adityanath reiterated that once the SIT submits its report, all sides would have a factual basis to present their views.“Let the investigation proceed. After the investigation, if any side has something to say, the SIT process will provide the appropriate basis for that. But do not unnecessarily attempt character assassination or defame Ayodhya Dham without cause,” he said.
