The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya will conduct a re-audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's accounts, covering a five-year period. This development comes amid demands from opposition parties for a public accounting of donations and a Supreme Court-monitored probe.
Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai, ex-trustee Anil Mishra, and temple official Gopal Rao are under scrutiny. Senior BJP leader Vinay Katiyar stated that while these individuals "may have escaped going to jail for now, they may still go later" if found guilty. He also revealed that he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who "expressed concern" over the theft of donations.
SIT to Scrutinize Five-Year Financial Records
Sources confirmed that the SIT will carry out a detailed examination of the trust's financial records for the entire five-year period, including construction-related expenditures and jewellery, gold, and silver items received as donations. The re-audit aims to uncover any irregularities in the handling of funds donated by devotees.
The RSS, in its first reaction to the scandal, expressed that the alleged theft has "deeply hurt" the faith of Ram devotees and society. RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale stated on X, "We are all extremely pained and angered by this event." He called for the SIT to ensure the guilty face severe punishment, while urging Hindus to exercise patience and restraint against "anti-Hindu and anti-national forces" seeking to exploit the incident.
Political Reactions Intensify
The Congress party swiftly criticized the RSS's response. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh called the RSS a "fraudulent outfit" and described its statement as a "clean chit" that is "disgraceful and shameful." In a post on X, Ramesh said, "The fact is 'chanda chori' on a large scale by people very much part of its network has taken place." Congress media head Pawan Khera alleged that the RSS's statement was "designed to protect the crocodiles while sacrificing a few expendable pawns." He argued that if the RSS were sincerely committed to safeguarding donations, such embezzlement would not have occurred at a temple under its watch.
Katiyar, speaking to PTI, did not disclose details of his conversation with Modi but confirmed the Prime Minister's concern. "I told him everything would be fine," Katiyar said.
Future Implications for Trust Officials
Katiyar specifically named Champat Rai, Gopal Rao, and Anil Mishra as individuals who could face imprisonment if the SIT finds them guilty. He stated, "It is possible that in the coming days Champat Rai, Gopal Rao and Anil Mishra may have to go to jail." He added that anyone found responsible for the embezzlement should be sent to jail.
