The alleged financial irregularities involving temple donations have sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability. Investigations are underway.
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Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent investigation into the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case. They said the allegations have deeply hurt the faith of lakhs of devotees who donated money and valuables to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
According to the Congress leaders, people who contributed to the temple with trust and devotion now feel betrayed by reports of financial irregularities. They urged the Prime Minister to ensure complete transparency and accountability in the matter.
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The case relates to an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of cash and precious items donated by devotees at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
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In their letter, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the functioning of the Trust. They pointed out that Prime Minister Modi had announced the formation of the Trust in Parliament following the Supreme Court’s directions and claimed that its members were appointed by the Central government.
The Congress leaders also stated that several members of the Trust are publicly known to have links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and related organisations. They further referred to the Trust’s former General Secretary, describing him as a close associate of the Prime Minister.
The letter called on the Prime Minister to immediately order an independent and comprehensive investigation into the Trust’s financial affairs.
Rahul Gandhi and Kharge demanded that the probe should examine the handling of all offerings made by devotees, including cash, gold, and silver. They also asked that the Trust’s financial accounts and findings of investigation be made public.
According to the Congress leaders, every devotee has right to know how donations made with faith have been used.
The letter added that the credibility of both the government and the Trust would depend on how quickly and transparently the matter is handled.
Alleged theft came to light after whistleblowers raised concerns that cash and jewellery worth up to Rs 7 crore may have been siphoned off from temple donations.
Following these allegations, Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The team has been tasked with auditing the accounts of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and monitoring temple’s cash-counting rooms.
The Supreme Court has also sought a status report on the ongoing investigation, bringing judicial attention to the case.
Police have so far arrested eight people in connection with the investigation. Those arrested include temple staff, bank employees, and aides linked to Trust officials.
Investigators reportedly found security lapses and instances of unauthorised access during the cash-counting process.
After the allegations surfaced, temple administration introduced stricter security measures. Mandatory frisking, biometric tracking, continuous police supervision have been implemented in all cash-counting areas to reduce the risk of future theft.
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