‘Devotees Betrayed’: Rahul Gandhi, Kharge Write To PM Modi, Seek Probe Into Ram Temple Donation Theft

Published 19 July 2026 · politics

‘Devotees Betrayed’: Rahul Gandhi, Kharge Write To PM Modi, Seek Probe Into Ram Temple Donation Theft Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 11:26 IST

‘Devotees Betrayed’: Rahul Gandhi, Kharge Write To PM Modi, Seek Probe Into Ram Temple Donation Theft Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 11:26 IST The probe has so far resulted in eight arrests and the resignation of two senior functionaries of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Rapid Read Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with party leader Rahul Gandhi (File/PTI) Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking an independent investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. In their joint letter, the Congress leaders said devotees who contributed to the temple with faith and devotion deserved answers and accountability. They also questioned the Prime Minister’s silence on the matter.

The demand comes weeks after allegations of theft of donations offered at the temple surfaced, following which a police investigation was launched. The probe has so far resulted in eight arrests and the resignation of two senior functionaries of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Sharing the letter on X, Kharge said, “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." Rahul Gandhi and Kharge said the allegations had affected public confidence and termed the Prime Minister’s silence “unacceptable". They urged him to ensure accountability and restitution in the matter. The alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple came to light in early June.

Following a complaint filed by the Trust, police registered an FIR on June 25 and arrested eight people in connection with the case. The investigation is currently underway. The controversy also led to the resignation of two senior Trust officials, bringing further scrutiny on the temple’s financial management. Rahul Gandhi and Kharge have now called for a comprehensive and independent inquiry into the Trust’s financial affairs, saying devotees who donated their money deserved complete transparency. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What steps will the government take to ensure transparency? I cannot determine what steps the government will take to ensure transparency. Could this incident impact public trust in religious donations? The alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple has impacted public trust, with leaders stating that devotees feel betrayed.