LUCKNOW/AYODHYA, June 30 -- The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of devotees' offerings at the Ram temple entered a crucial phase on Monday. Police questioned Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, who have tendered their resignations as Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary and trustee respectively, and Gopal Rao, the temple administrator. Simultaneously, the investigators widened the financial probe to trace the alleged money trail.

A senior police official said investigators recorded the statements of Rai, Mishra and Rao as part of the ongoing investigation. He described the exercise as a routine part of the probe. Shortly after his questioning, Champat Rai left for Delhi.

The investigators also intensified scr...