Temple Donations – Arvind Kejriwal to Offer Prayers in Ayodhya Amid Donation Theft Questions
Temple Donations – Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal is set to visit Ayodhya’s Ram Temple on Friday, where he will offer prayers, pay respects at Hanumangarhi, and interact with religious seers. His visit comes a day after he publicly questioned the legal basis of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) examining allegations of theft involving temple donations and valuable offerings.
Kejriwal Questions Investigation Process
After arriving in Ayodhya on Thursday, Kejriwal spoke to reporters and expressed concern over media reports alleging that several items offered at the Ram Temple had gone missing. Referring to those reports, he claimed that articles such as Lord Ram’s footwear, garlands, lamps, jewellery, precious stones, cash donations estimated at around Rs 200 crore, and nearly two kilograms of silver were allegedly stolen.
He said the reports had deeply saddened him and added that millions of devotees across the country were equally distressed by the allegations involving one of Hinduism’s most revered temples.
Visit Includes Temple Prayers and Meetings
Before leaving for Ayodhya, the AAP leader stated that he planned to offer prayers at both the Ram Temple and Hanumangarhi. He also confirmed that meetings with saints and religious leaders had been scheduled as part of his visit.
According to Kejriwal, the visit is intended to seek blessings while also understanding the concerns being expressed by members of the religious community regarding the reported controversy.
Demand for FIR Before SIT Inquiry
Kejriwal reiterated his demand that a First Information Report should have been registered before constituting an SIT. Referring to an earlier statement, he argued that police routinely register FIRs even in cases involving relatively small thefts, making the absence of one in a matter involving alleged losses worth crores of rupees difficult to understand.
He maintained that although reports suggest part of the allegedly stolen amount has been recovered, no FIR has yet been filed. Citing provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, he argued that an SIT should ordinarily be formed only after a formal criminal case has been registered.
Allegations Over SIT Formation
The former Delhi Chief Minister questioned the legal authority under which the investigation team had been established. He claimed that without an FIR, the SIT lacked the necessary legal powers to conduct an effective investigation.
Kejriwal further alleged that the inquiry was focused primarily on lower-level workers instead of identifying those who might have played a larger role in the alleged irregularities. He claimed that a theft of such magnitude could not have continued over a long period without the involvement or support of influential individuals. He described the formation of the SIT as an attempt to create an appearance of action rather than ensuring accountability.
VHP Also Calls for Immediate FIR
Meanwhile, the controversy has drawn reactions from other organisations as well. Vishva Hindu Parishad President Alok Kumar stated on Thursday that an FIR should be registered without delay if there is evidence of misappropriation of offerings made by devotees.
He said that donations made at the Ram Temple represent the faith and devotion of millions of worshippers, and any diversion or misuse of those offerings would seriously affect public trust and religious sentiments. Kumar emphasised that a transparent legal process would be essential to establish the facts and maintain confidence among devotees.