New Delhi, 04 July (H.S.): The Congress on Saturday targeted the Central Government over the alleged theft of donation funds at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, alleging that while lower-level employees have been prosecuted, influential individuals responsible for the alleged scam are being shielded. The party demanded a fair and impartial investigation and strict action against all those found guilty.

Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters, Uttar Pradesh Congress Legislature Party leader Aradhana Mishra 'Mona' said the alleged theft of devotees' offerings at the Ram Temple has deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of Lord Ram's devotees across the country. She alleged that action has so far been limited to junior employees, while no proceedings have been initiated against senior functionaries associated with the temple trust.

She said the Ram Temple was constructed following the Supreme Court's judgment through a trust constituted under the supervision of the government. Therefore, she argued, the Central Government cannot distance itself from the matter. She questioned why no First Information Report (FIR) had been registered against those holding key positions in the trust.

Aradhana Mishra further stated that the employees who have been arrested were appointed by an agency through the State Bank of India based on a list provided by the trust. She said questions relating to the recruitment process and verification of the employees' backgrounds have also remained unanswered.

The Congress leader alleged that despite the reported theft involving donations worth crores of rupees, central investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Income Tax Department and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have not taken any visible action. She claimed that the investigation has been confined to lower-level employees alone.

She also referred to previous controversies surrounding land transactions linked to the Ram Temple, saying that the latest allegations regarding donation theft have raised fresh concerns among the public. She urged the government to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the matter and take stringent action against those responsible.

Aradhana Mishra said the Ram Temple is a symbol of faith for millions of people, and transparency and accountability in all matters related to the shrine are essential. She alleged that the government has maintained silence over the issue, while the nation is seeking answers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar