Lucknow, 08 June (HS): A political dispute occurred in Uttar

Pradesh regarding contributions received by the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav saying that crores of rupees had gone

missing and urging the courts take suo motu cognizance of the situation. Rejecting

charges, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust stated that the ongoing

audit has not discovered any financial irregularities thus far.

Responding to the claims, Trust General Secretary Champat

Rai stated that the trust conducts periodic internal audits involving trust

representatives and the State Bank of India, with the exercise presently

underway. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra conducts internal audits on a

regular basis. This activity involves representatives from the trust and the

State Bank of India. The audit procedure lasts many days. The same tasks are

being carried out these days. Rai stated that nothing exceptional has emerged

thus far.

Clarification occurred after Akhilesh Yadav tweeted on X

that sources suggested crores of rupees in contributions to the Ram Temple were

stolen. Yadav described the situation as exceedingly sensitive, claiming that

the suspected loss of gift money cast doubt on the temple trust. Yadav stated

that the government's silence is suspicious, and he urged the judiciary to act

and objectively investigate the situation, which he said concerned the faith of

millions of believers.

The scandal was fueled by ex-SP MLA and ex-minister Pawan Pandey, who claimed

that between Rs 5 crore and Rs 7.5 crore were taken from donations received

through temple donation boxes. He wanted a fair inquiry and retribution against

those involved if the charges were proven to be genuine. Pandey urged trust

leadership to publicly dispute claims and requested clarity from temple

management on reported inconsistencies.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi