The Faizabad Bar Association has unanimously decided that none of its members will represent the eight individuals arrested in the alleged misappropriation of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The decision was taken during the association's general body meeting amid growing public outrage over the case.

The association also issued an ultimatum to Ram Temple Trust office-bearers Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao, asking them to leave Ayodhya within three days. Lawyers warned that if the trio failed to comply, they would launch a city-wide blockade to intensify their protest.

Bar Association president Kalika Prasad Mishra announced that any advocate wishing to appear for the arrested accused must first obtain the association's approval and deposit Rs 5 lakh for each accused. According to the association, the funds would be used to support legal efforts aimed at prosecuting the case.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), however, criticised the resolution, arguing that every accused person has a constitutional right to legal representation. VHP International President Alok Kumar described the Bar Association's move as politically motivated and inconsistent with the principles of the justice system.

Although Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao have not been named in the FIR, the Bar Association has sought legal action against them. The lawyers intend to approach the police first and, if necessary, move the court under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to seek registration of an FIR. They have also announced plans to demand a CBI investigation by approaching the Allahabad High Court and, if required, the Supreme Court.

The eight accused, who were responsible for counting cash and valuables donated by devotees at the temple, remain in judicial custody. Police have conducted searches at their residences and continue to gather evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, investigators have widened the probe to include financial institutions linked to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Notices have been sent to several banks, including the State Bank of India, Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda, seeking details of trust accounts, lockers and financial transactions.

Officials are examining banking records, CCTV footage and cash movement documents to determine whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged embezzlement. The role of bank personnel responsible for overseeing the counting and deposit of donations is also under scrutiny, with some employees already being questioned.

Despite the controversy, temple authorities say pilgrim turnout and donations remain unaffected. According to sources, daily cash collections have increased due to the ongoing holiday season, while the temple continues to attract tens of thousands of devotees every day.

In a related development, Radio Maintenance Officer Arjun Dev has been transferred from Ayodhya to Gorakhpur after serving in the temple town for nearly 17 years. Sources indicated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report had raised questions regarding his role in overseeing surveillance systems, including CCTV monitoring of the donation counting area.