'Beware Of Hundi Thieves': CM Shivakumar Targets BJP Over Ram Temple Donation Row

Published 2 July 2026 · politics

'Beware Of Hundi Thieves': CM Shivakumar Targets BJP Over Ram Temple Donation Row Published By, Last Updated: July 02, 2026, 11:04 IST The chief minister

'Beware Of Hundi Thieves': CM Shivakumar Targets BJP Over Ram Temple Donation Row Published By, Last Updated: July 02, 2026, 11:04 IST The chief minister called for the probe to be conducted under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge, expressing doubts over the SIT investigation. Rapid Read Chief Minister DK Shivakumar (File pic/PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday alleged that BJP leaders had looted donations made to the Ram Temple and claimed that some people in Karnataka had also benefited from the alleged misappropriation. Addressing reporters, CM Shivakumar said, “Earlier there would be boards put up in temples saying, ‘beware of slipper thieves’, but now there will be boards that read, ‘beware of hundi (donation box) thieves’." Alleging irregularities in temple donations, he said, “BJP has looted in the name of Rama, and the investigation is going on so slowly.

It should be probed immediately as to where that Rs 200 crore goes." Also Read | After SIT, Central Agency Next? UP Govt Weighs Big Move In Ayodhya Ram Temple Theft Case Shivakumar further claimed that “Some in Karnataka have also received it. Some of them here have been rewarded for passing the Cow slaughter bill, they have been given awards." Calling for an independent probe, the chief minister said, “A Supreme Court judge should prove it. SIT is just to fool us. They need to be sent to jail." Meanwhile, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to hold a key meeting on July 6, where the future of two of its senior members, former general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, is expected to come under discussion.

Sources told News18 that the trust may take up a proposal seeking the removal of Rai and Mishra. Rai and Mishra had resigned on “moral grounds" on June 27 after the embezzlement came to light and soon turned into a political controversy. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the alleged misappropriation of temple donations, has been granted an additional 15 days to continue its investigation, signalling that investigators believe crucial aspects of the case remain to be uncovered. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: July 02, 2026, 11:04 IST News india 'Beware Of Hundi Thieves': CM Shivakumar Targets BJP Over Ram Temple Donation Row Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.