Ayodhya Controversy: Missing Lights, Alleged Fraud by Contractors

The Ayodhya administration announced it will prosecute two contractors for allegedly not installing bamboo and projector lights worth over Rs 50 lakh, which they claimed were stolen. An FIR was lodged, and opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP-led government's handling of law and order in Ayodhya.

The Ayodhya administration on Wednesday announced it will prosecute two contractors for allegedly cheating and not installing around 3,800 bamboo and 36 projector lights worth over Rs 50 lakh, which they claimed were stolen from the high-security areas of Bhakti Path and Ram Path.

An FIR was lodged at the Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station on August 9 following a theft complaint by Yash Enterprises and Krishna Automobiles, who were contracted by the Ayodhya Development Authority to install the lights, according to the police.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP-led state government over law and order issues in the holy town. Meanwhile, Ayodhya Commissioner and Chairman of Ayodhya Development Authority Gaurav Dayal stated that an investigation was underway. "We have decided to lodge an FIR against the contractors on charges of cheating the government," he said. The Ayodhya administration claimed that the lights were likely never installed. According to the FIR, awareness of the theft surfaced in May, but a complaint was only filed on August 9.

"As many as 6,400 bamboo lights were installed on Ram Path and 96 projector lights on Bhakti Path. Till March 19, all the lights were there, but after an inspection on May 9, it was found that some lights were missing," stated Shekhar Sharma, a representative of one of the firms, in the complaint. "Till now around 3,800 bamboo lights and 36 projector lights have been stolen by unknown thieves," he added.

Ayodhya underwent refurbishment as part of a major project ahead of the January 22 Ram temple consecration ceremony this year. Akhilesh Yadav condemned the situation on social media, describing the theft as evidence of law and order breakdown in UP-Ayodhya and labeling the BJP government as a 'city of lawlessness'.

(With inputs from agencies.)