Raebareli: Bhim Army chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities in donations made to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, saying the matter concerns the faith of millions of devotees and warrants an independent investigation under judicial oversight.
Azad made the demand during his visit to Khamaria Pure Kushal village in the Salon Assembly constituency of Raebareli, where he met the family of Mewa Lal Pasi, who died following a road accident last month.
According to officials, Mewa Lal Pasi was critically injured on June 28 after his bicycle was allegedly hit by a speeding motorcycle near Khamaria Pure Kushal crossing. He was initially admitted to a Community Health Centre before being referred to a hospital in Lucknow, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following his death, family members and local residents staged a protest by placing the victim’s body on the Raebareli–Pratapgarh National Highway, disrupting traffic. The protest reportedly turned violent, with incidents of stone-pelting that left several police personnel and passers-by injured. Police subsequently registered cases against named and unidentified individuals and arrested the accused, Udaybhan alias Rinku Ambedkar, who has been sent to judicial custody.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the bereaved family, Azad alleged that the state administration became active only after learning of his scheduled visit. Referring to the alleged Ram Temple donation irregularities, he called for a CBI investigation monitored by a judge of the Supreme Court, arguing that an inquiry by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would not inspire public confidence. He also questioned the credibility of the ongoing SIT probe.
During the interaction, Azad also outlined his party’s preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, stating that it would contest the polls with full strength while focusing on issues affecting the people of the state.
Meanwhile, Salon MLA Ashok Kori urged that priority should be given to the rehabilitation of the victim’s family, ensuring government assistance and securing their future, rather than politicising the incident.
Authorities have not issued an official response to Azad’s demand for a CBI inquiry into the alleged donation irregularities at the Ram Temple. The allegations remain under investigation, and no conclusions have been reached regarding the claims.
