The Faizabad Bar Association has resolved that none of its members will represent the eight accused arrested in the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations. The association warned that any lawyer violating the resolution would face a penalty of Rs 5 lakh.
The association also demanded that Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao, all associated with the management of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, leave Ayodhya within three days. Rai, the Trust's former general secretary, and Mishra resigned from their posts on Saturday following the allegations.
The Bar Association further warned that if the trio, who have not been mentioned in the FIR, failed to leave within the stipulated period, Ayodhya would be blockaded and no one would be allowed to enter the city.
"The sentiments of all of us have been hurt by the theft of temple offerings. The lawyers of Faizabad have unanimously decided not to appear on behalf of the arrested accused," Bar Association secretary Shailendra Jaiswal said.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday recorded the statement of Rai as part of its probe into the alleged donation embezzlement case. Investigators are expected to question Mishra and other senior office-bearers of the Trust, if required, as the investigation progresses.
Eight persons, including Rai's former driver, have been arrested in connection with the case. Police have recovered nearly Rs 80 lakh in cash and foreign currency from the accused.
The arrested accused—Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ram Shankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ramashankar alias Tinnu Yadav—were all associated with counting cash and valuables received as donations at the Ram Temple.
Earlier, the Trust said it would ensure a fair and transparent inquiry into the allegations. "The trustees are shocked by the developments and are duty-bound to ensure that a fair inquiry is conducted and the faith of devotees is restored," treasurer Govind Dev Giri said in a statement.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak has also assured "strict action" and an "impartial investigation" into the alleged donation embezzlement case.
