Lucknow, June 16 (IANS) As the controversy rages over alleged embezzlement of funds in Ram Temple donations, a proposed visit by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to the sacred city of Ayodhya, slated for June 19, has caught the attention of everyone.

A thorough investigation has already been ordered into the Ram Temple donations controversy, with the probe team examining the temple staff and scrutinising their conduct over the past few days for alleged appropriation of funds; however, all eyes would be on Yogi Adityanath if he makes any statement regarding the issue.

The matter has already turned into a political storm, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accusing temple authorities of large-scale irregularities, financial mismanagement and alleged siphoning off donations.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s Ayodhya trip is timed with Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das’s birth anniversary celebrations, slated for June 27.

Mahant Nritya Gopal Das is set to turn 88 on June 27. A conference of spiritual leaders is being organised on the occasion, with a 10-day-long Shri Ram Katha, beginning on June 19, kicking off the celebrations.

Invitation letters have been sent to various chief ministers, soliciting their presence for the big event, and some reports suggest that many of them have given their nod.

Yogi Adiatyanth will visit Ayodhya on June 19, the day when Shri Ram Katha begins in Ayodhya, marking the beginning of celebrations.

A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttar Pradesh government is investigating the allegations of missing donations to the famed Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya.

The SIT, comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan, was formed at the behest of CM Yogi and has been directed to submit a preliminary report within seven days and a final report within 15 days.

The allegations of ‘missing donations’ first emanated in local media but snowballed into national controversy after SP supremo and former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav cited media reports of crores in unaccounted donations and called for judicial intervention.

–IANS

mr/uk