Ayodhya Ram Mandir- Donation Case Sparks Calls for Transparent Investigation
Ayodhya Ram Mandir- Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations collected at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. She questioned whether employees at lower levels could have carried out such a large-scale financial irregularity without support from individuals holding greater authority.
Priyanka Gandhi Questions Possible Higher-Level Involvement
In a post shared on X on Friday, Priyanka Gandhi said the reported allegations have raised serious concerns and deserve an impartial inquiry. She argued that disabling CCTV systems and handling donations worth several crores would likely require more than the actions of junior staff alone. According to her, investigators should determine whether influential individuals were involved in the alleged wrongdoing instead of limiting the inquiry to lower-level employees.
She further stressed that the investigation should be transparent and independent so that every person responsible, regardless of position, is held accountable under the law.
Appeal for Strict Action Against Those Responsible
The Congress General Secretary said any attempt to hide facts during the investigation would weaken public confidence. She maintained that those found guilty of misusing temple donations should face strict legal consequences.
Priyanka Gandhi also highlighted the spiritual importance of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir for millions of devotees across the country. She said people contribute donations with deep faith and trust, making any alleged misuse of these offerings a matter of serious public concern. According to her, such allegations not only involve financial issues but also affect the religious sentiments of countless worshippers.
Trust Officials Resign After FIR Registration
The controversy intensified after Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra stepped down, stating that they were accepting moral responsibility in connection with the allegations surrounding the temple donations.
Their resignations came after a First Information Report (FIR) was registered over the alleged embezzlement of funds received at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Investigation Underway Following Government Action
The case has been registered under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61 and 3(5). The legal action was initiated following directions issued by the Uttar Pradesh Government.
Individuals named in the FIR include Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Tinnu Yadav and Manish Yadav, along with others. The allegations were raised by former Samajwadi Party MLA from Ayodhya, Pawan Pandey, who claimed that donations amounting to between Rs 27 crore and Rs 7.5 crore had been misappropriated from the temple.
In response to the allegations, the Uttar Pradesh Government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 14. The panel was formed following a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to ensure a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Focus Remains on Fair and Transparent Inquiry
As the investigation progresses, political attention remains focused on ensuring transparency and accountability. Leaders from different sides have called for a thorough examination of the allegations so that the facts are established through the legal process. Authorities are expected to continue collecting evidence and recording statements as part of the ongoing probe, while the SIT works to determine whether any financial irregularities took place and, if so, who should be held responsible.