Congress general secretary KC Venugopal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an immediate Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations, which he termed the “Chanda Chori mega scandal.” In his letter, Venugopal asserted that the fraud, involving allegations of hundreds of crores of rupees, constitutes a “monumental betrayal” of the Hindu faith, religion, and way of life.
Allegations of Institutional Complicity
Venugopal, who chairs the key Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, highlighted that preliminary investigations have exposed a highly organized racket operating under the nose of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. He alleged that systemic lapses at every level indicate that the loot was enabled by institutional support. “Counting staff bypassed regular surveillance to siphon off bundles of cash and valuable jewellery on a daily basis; on the other, 7 to 8 months of crucial CCTV footage was deliberately destroyed to cover the tracks of this criminal enterprise,” he wrote. This, he argued, points to a scam orchestrated with the complicity of higher-ups, not just a few rogue employees.
Suppression of Whistleblowers
Venugopal further alleged that complaints of embezzlement were ignored or actively suppressed. The Trust’s former chief accounts officer, who flagged systematic irregularities as early as 2020-21 and warned that unaccounted gold and silver ornaments were being spirited away, was unceremoniously removed from his duties instead of being heard. This suppression, Venugopal said, underscores the need for an independent probe.
SIT Called an ‘Eyewash’
The Congress leader criticized the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13, followed by an FIR registered on June 25, calling it little more than an “eyewash.” He noted that only “small fish” — drivers, clerks, and outsourced cashiers — have been arrested, while the institutional support and chain of command that enabled the brazen loot remain untouched. “A state-appointed SIT is neither equipped nor institutionally independent to investigate individuals wielding immense political and institutional influence,” he asserted. Venugopal expressed apprehension that the investigation is being used to erase remaining evidence while shielding the “big fish” who allegedly orchestrated the multi-crore embezzlement.
Moral Responsibility of the Government
Venugopal reminded Modi that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is a public trust constituted by the Government of India in 2020, with its creation under direct government supervision and land vested pursuant to the Supreme Court’s judgment. “It is, therefore, the moral responsibility of the Government — and of you, as its head — to restore the faith of over 1.4 billion Indians in the Government’s intent and ability to safeguard donations and preserve the sanctity of an institution established in the name of Lord Ram,” he wrote. He demanded a free and fair investigation by a high-level independent agency under the strict supervision of the Supreme Court.
Recoveries and Arrests So Far
The alleged embezzlement came to light after the SIT submitted its preliminary findings, leading to an FIR on June 25. Eight accused have been arrested, and police have recovered nearly Rs 80 lakh in cash, along with some foreign currency, from six of them. The investigation is ongoing. Venugopal shared his letter on X, stating that the “massive Chanda Chori” at Ayodhya Ram Temple has shaken the nation, calling it a corruption of faith for political gain and financial enrichment.
