New Delhi, 02 July (H.S.): Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking an independent investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court into the alleged misappropriation of donations and offerings at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. He alleged that the issue was not an ordinary case of theft but a major scam involving the faith of millions of devotees.

Sharing a copy of his letter on social media platform X on Thursday, Venugopal said the alleged theft of temple offerings had shocked the entire nation. He said millions of devotees had donated their hard-earned money in the name of Lord Ram, but allegations of misuse and embezzlement of those funds had now surfaced.

Venugopal alleged that the name of Lord Ram and the faith associated with him had been exploited for political and financial gain. He said that since the Ram Temple was constructed following the Supreme Court's verdict on public land under a public trust constituted by the Central Government, the Union Government bears responsibility for any irregularities in the temple's administration.

He further claimed that repeated warnings regarding alleged theft and financial irregularities had been raised at various levels but were ignored. According to him, those responsible for managing the temple allegedly turned a blind eye while crores of rupees were misappropriated.

In his letter, Venugopal said preliminary findings indicated serious irregularities in the management of cash donations and jewellery offered at the temple. He also alleged that CCTV footage covering a crucial period of seven to eight months had been destroyed, raising suspicions of an attempt to eliminate evidence.

He further alleged that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh Government had so far limited its action to lower-level employees, while the alleged role of influential individuals was not being investigated. Describing the SIT inquiry as an attempt to throw dust in the eyes of the public, he claimed it was designed to shield the real culprits.

Venugopal urged the Prime Minister to order a fair and transparent investigation by an independent high-level agency under the supervision of the Supreme Court. He said such an inquiry would help restore the faith of millions of devotees and preserve the sanctity of the institution established in the name of Lord Ram.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar