Rahul Gandhi, Kharge seek independent probe into Ram Temple donation theft case

Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. File pic

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent probe into the Ram Temple donation theft case, citing devotees' feelings of betrayal due to the allegations.

The Ram Temple donation theft case is a criminal investigation into the embezzlement of cash and precious items donated by devotees at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

The Congress leaders criticised the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's governance, noting members' affiliations with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and called for full public disclosure of cash, gold, silver offerings, and accounts regardless of political influence.

In the letter, Gandhi and Kharge wrote, "You are aware of the theft of thousands of crores in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and Trust are feeling betrayed by the theft."

They said that even though PM Modi announced the formation of the Trust in Parliament on the directions of the Supreme Court, its members "have been solely appointed by your government". They said that it is "public knowledge" that the members of the Trust are "affiliated with the RSS, VHP", and its affiliates.

"Its disgraced former General Secretary was also your close associate," the letter read.

"Your silence now in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to ensure accountability and restitution. We urge you to immediately order an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Trust, including the handling of all offerings, including cash, gold, silver," the Congress leaders said.

They demanded that the findings and the Trust's accounts should be made public so that every devotee knows how their offerings have been utilised.

"All those found responsible must be held accountable, irrespective of position or influence. The credibility of your government and the Trust rests on how transparently and swiftly you act. The people of India are watching," Gandhi and Kharge stated.

The case came to light when whistleblowers raised concerns that up to Rs 7 crore worth of cash and jewellery may have been siphoned off. The Uttar Pradesh government appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to audit the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accounts and monitor the counting rooms.

The Supreme Court has also demanded a status report on the probe.

So far, the police have arrested eight individuals, including temple staff, bank employees, and aides to trust officials, after discovering security lapses and unauthorised access during the cash-counting process.

Meanwhile, the temple trust tightened security, implementing mandatory frisking, biometric tracking, and police oversight in all counting areas to prevent future theft.

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