Call for Investigation into Ram Temple Donation Allegations

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting an ‘independent and comprehensive’ investigation into alleged thefts from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. They described the Prime Minister’s silence on the matter as ‘unacceptable.’ In their letter, the leaders stressed that transparency and prompt action are essential for maintaining the Trust's credibility and that the public is closely observing the situation.

The correspondence follows the registration of a first information report (FIR) on June 25, which accused individuals associated with the Trust of embezzling donations. Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Trust, along with trustee Anil Mishra, resigned in the wake of the allegations, citing moral responsibility. The investigation is currently being conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has had its term extended by 15 days by the Uttar Pradesh government.

Gandhi and Kharge pointed out that the Trust was formed under Modi’s direction, based on a Supreme Court ruling. They noted that members of the Trust are largely affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and mentioned that a former general secretary had connections with Modi. They demanded a thorough investigation into the handling of financial contributions, including cash, gold, and silver donations, asserting that anyone found culpable should face consequences, regardless of their influence.

The Trust was established in February 2020 following a Supreme Court ruling in November 2019 which mandated the formation of a body to oversee construction at the disputed site. According to preliminary findings from the SIT, there have been approximately 70 instances of theft within a 40-day window. Reports indicate that video footage has shown individuals taking cash donations. As of now, eight people have been arrested, including the former driver of Champat Rai.

Earlier in the month, Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal also reached out to Modi, expressing concerns that early investigations suggested a ‘well-organised network’ behind the alleged thefts. Venugopal requested a probe monitored by the Supreme Court. At a recent press conference, Congress spokesperson Shakti Singh Gohil escalated demands by calling for the Trust’s dissolution, the arrest of Champat Rai, and the formation of a new Trust led by religious leaders.

Additionally, Gohil raised concerns about a controversial property transaction involving a INR 18 crore purchase for land previously assessed at INR 2.93 crore. This situation adds to a history of scrutiny over the Trust’s financial dealings. Opposition figures, including Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party and Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party, have previously highlighted similar financial irregularities and called for investigations by federal authorities.

The Trust has previously dismissed such claims as ‘politically motivated’ and ‘misleading.’ Meanwhile, John Brittas, a Communist Party of India (Marxist) member of the Rajya Sabha, urged the government to reconsider its stance that the Trust is not subject to the Right to Information Act, advocating for greater transparency.

In Karnataka, the state Congress unit has also passed a resolution calling for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, citing failures in financial accountability and possible misappropriation of funds by Trust officials. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh has refuted these allegations. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has brushed aside the opposition's claims as efforts to ‘defame’ the sacred Ram Janmabhoomi site. He has visited Ayodhya twice to oversee the investigation and ongoing development activities. Govind Dev Giri, the Trust’s treasurer, distanced himself from the controversy, asserting that he is not involved in daily donation processes and that audit reports are secure and accessible to authorized individuals. He emphasised the importance of trusting the SIT and judiciary to resolve the matter. The Trust has acquired substantial donations from devotees and governmental entities since its inception, prompting Congress leaders to argue that accountability must not be postponed any longer.