Devotees feel betrayed: Rahul Gandhi writes to PM for probe into Ram temple theft
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress president, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent and
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress president, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent and comprehensive investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. They said lakhs of devotees who had contributed their hard-earned money with faith and devotion felt "betrayed by the theft" and called for complete transparency in the handling of the temple's funds. Read Full Story In the letter, the two senior Congress leaders said the Prime Minister's silence on the issue was 'unacceptable'. They urged him to ensure accountability, order a thorough inquiry and make the findings public along with the Trust's financial records.
Sharing the letter on X, Kharge wrote, "Our joint letter to PM Modi demanding an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and trust are feeling betrayed by the theft". The controversy over the alleged theft of donations emerged in the first week of June. Since then, eight people have been arrested and two senior office-bearers of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust have resigned. On June 25, police registered an FIR based on a complaint filed by the Trust and arrested eight accused in connection with the case.
Referring to the trust's formation, Gandhi and Kharge said Prime Minister Modi had announced its creation in Parliament following the Supreme Court's directions, while its members were appointed by the Union government. They also claimed that the Trust's members were publicly known to have links with the RSS, VHP and affiliated organisations, and noted that the Trust's former general secretary was a close associate of the Prime Minister. "Your silence now in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to ensure accountability and restitution. We urge you to immediately order an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Trust, including the handling of all offerings, including cash, gold, silver," the letter said.
The Congress leaders also demanded that the findings of the investigation and the Trust's accounts be made public so that devotees could know how their offerings had been utilised. "All those found responsible must be held accountable, irrespective of position or influence. The credibility of your government and the Trust rests on how transparently and swiftly you act. The people of India are watching. Jai Hind!" the letter added. The Congress leaders reiterated their demand for a transparent probe, public disclosure of the Trust's finances and accountability for those found responsible in the alleged misappropriation of temple donations. Ends
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