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BJP leader seeks central probe into Ayodhya Ram Mandir fund 'embezzlement' charges

From Hindustan Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A senior BJP leader has requested an impartial central investigation into alleged embezzlement of funds collected for the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
  • The leader urged that findings be made public to maintain devotees' faith, warning that irregularities would hurt religious sentiments.
  • The controversy follows allegations by a Samajwadi Party president, with the temple trust stating internal audits are underway and have so far found no supporting evidence.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dr. Rajneesh Singh has called for an impartial central investigation into allegations of fund embezzlement at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh urged that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), or another competent authority conduct the probe.

Ram temple is the centre of faith, devotion and belief of crores of Hindus. Worshippers from across the country and abroad make donations according to their devotion.

— Dr Rajneesh SinghThe BJP leader highlighted the religious significance of the Ram temple.

Singh emphasized that the Ram temple is a significant site of faith for millions of Hindus worldwide. He stated that if the allegations of financial irregularities are proven true, it would constitute an economic offense and deeply hurt the religious sentiments of devotees. He stressed the need for strict action against anyone found guilty, aiming to strengthen the faith of worshippers in the temple trust by making the investigation's findings public.

If the allegations of irregularities are found to be true, it would not only amount to an economic offence but would also deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Ram devotees.

— Dr Rajneesh SinghThe BJP leader warned of the consequences if the embezzlement allegations were proven true.

The call for an investigation comes amid controversy sparked by Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav's allegations that crores of rupees in donations were missing from the temple. Yadav had questioned the government's silence and called for judicial intervention. Responding to these claims, Ram Temple Trust General Secretary Champat Rai stated that internal audits are ongoing and have not yet uncovered any evidence to support the allegations. Representatives from the Trust and the State Bank of India are involved in the periodic audit process.

The government's silence is suspicious.

— Akhilesh YadavThe Samajwadi Party president expressed suspicion over the government's lack of response to the allegations.

Amid the escalating controversy, Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the Ram Temple Building Construction Committee, made an unscheduled visit to Ayodhya and held a closed-door meeting with trust members, including General Secretary Champat Rai. Mishra's visit, originally planned for later in the week, was reportedly advanced due to the controversy. Trust members have largely avoided media interactions, and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations.

Internal audits were underway and no evidence supporting the allegations had emerged so far.

— Champat RaiThe Trust's General Secretary addressed the allegations, stating that audits were in progress.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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