Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai on Tuesday alleged that he was detained by the police after arriving in Ayodhya with a party delegation to offer prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of temple donations.
The development comes as political exchanges continue over the donation case, which is currently under investigation by the Uttar Pradesh Police.
Ajay Rai Claims He Was Detained
Ajay Rai said he had travelled to Ayodhya along with Congress leaders as part of a scheduled visit to the Ram Temple.
In a post on social media, Rai alleged that police took him into custody soon after he arrived in Ayodhya.
He accused the Uttar Pradesh government of preventing the Congress delegation from offering prayers and linked the action to the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged donation irregularities.
Authorities had not immediately issued a detailed public response to Rai’s allegations at the time of publication.
Congress Alleges Action Against Other Leaders
The Uttar Pradesh Congress also claimed that several party leaders were stopped or detained during the planned visit.
According to the party, Rai was stopped at a guest house near Ayodhya, while Kishori Lal Sharma, Member of Parliament from Raebareli, was reportedly prevented from proceeding near Ayodhya.
The party also alleged that Tanuj Punia, Member of Parliament from Barabanki, and Pratapgarh district Congress president Neeraj Tripathi were detained by police.
These claims have not been independently verified.
Visit Planned Amid Temple Donation Investigation
The Congress delegation had planned to visit the Ram Temple, offer prayers and interact with local residents while the investigation into the alleged donation misappropriation continues.
The issue has become a major political flashpoint in Uttar Pradesh, with the ruling BJP and the Opposition exchanging allegations over the management of temple donations.
Donation Case Under Investigation
The political developments come a day after a local court in Ayodhya sent all accused in the alleged Ram Temple donation case to 14 days of judicial custody.
Investigators are examining allegations related to the alleged misappropriation of donations and financial irregularities connected with the temple.
The Uttar Pradesh Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues its probe into the matter.
