Arvind Kejriwal, national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party, on Friday accused authorities of using resignations, arrests, and the formation of a special investigation team as mere cosmetic measures to create an illusion of action in the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He claimed that the real perpetrators, who are powerful and influential, continue to be shielded.
Kejriwal addresses media in Goa
Addressing journalists in Goa, Kejriwal said, "The people of Goa are deeply religious. When Ram Mandir was built, Hindus in Goa donated generously and with complete devotion. But now reports of scam and ‘chanda-chori' at the temple have emerged." He emphasized that the alleged theft did not start recently but dates back to 2021.
Allegations of land scams
Kejriwal detailed a series of land transactions that he described as fraudulent. He alleged that a piece of land worth Rs 2 crore was sold to the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for Rs 18 crore within 10 minutes. Similarly, he claimed that land worth Rs 3 crore was purchased for Rs 24 crore, land worth Rs 9 crore was bought for Rs 55 crore, and land worth Rs 14 crore was bought for Rs 95 crore. He stated that the documents for these transactions are in the public domain.
Missing valuables and devotees' faith
Kejriwal further alleged that several valuables donated to the temple had gone missing. He said, "Lord Ram's necklace, paduka and ornaments have been stolen. Diamonds and jewellery offered by devotees have vanished. Silver bricks, silver lamps and even cash donations have allegedly been stolen. The more details that emerge, the more the faith of the people is being hurt." He stressed that devotees from across the country, including Goa, had donated with deep faith and were now hurt by reports of financial irregularities.
