Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday issued a strong warning against anyone attempting to misuse public faith, saying his government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy after eight people were arrested in the alleged embezzlement of donations linked to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Reacting to the latest developments in the case, the Chief Minister said the state government acted immediately after receiving the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), making it clear that no individual would be spared if found guilty of exploiting the sentiments of devotees.
Yogi Adityanath said, “The Uttar Pradesh government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone who tries to exploit Sanatan values and public faith.”
He added that the administration had already made its stand clear during his visit to Ayodhya on June 19, where he had cautioned against any attempt to misuse the trust of devotees or tarnish the image of the holy city.
According to the Chief Minister, the SIT’s findings paved the way for immediate legal action, following which police arrested eight accused in connection with the alleged irregularities involving temple donations.
Emphasising that matters connected to faith cannot be taken lightly, Yogi said there would be no compromise when it comes to protecting religious institutions and maintaining the sanctity of Ayodhya.
He said, “There will be no tolerance for anyone attempting to manipulate religious sentiments or misuse institutions associated with public devotion.”
Describing Ayodhya as a symbol of the faith of millions of devotees, the Chief Minister said preserving its dignity remains one of the government’s foremost responsibilities.
The arrests come after an SIT probe reportedly found prima facie irregularities in the handling of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, prompting the registration of an FIR and a wider criminal investigation.
