Saurav Rai

New Delhi, 04 July (H.S.): Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President Alok Kumar has said that a fair and impartial investigation should be conducted into the alleged theft of offerings at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, and stringent action should be taken against those found guilty.

Speaking to Hindusthan Samachar, Alok Kumar said the incident has deeply hurt the sentiments of the entire Hindu community. He said the VHP has, from the very beginning, demanded a transparent investigation and strict legal action against those responsible.

He clarified that immediately after the matter came to light, the organisation had called for the registration of an FIR, an investigation by experienced officials, and the trial of the case in a fast-track court so that the truth could emerge at the earliest.

Responding to allegations that VHP was trying to shield Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao, Alok Kumar categorically stated that the organisation is not in favour of protecting any individual. He said every person against whom allegations have been made should be subjected to an impartial investigation, and if anyone is found to have committed a cognisable offence, legal action must be taken in accordance with the law.

Amid questions being raised over the temple's administrative system, Alok Kumar acknowledged that stronger administrative and technological mechanisms are necessary to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

He further clarified that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is responsible for managing the temple. He suggested that measures such as deploying modern security systems, ensuring transparent procedures, and appointing experienced administrative officials should be implemented so that every rupee offered by devotees remains secure.

On the alleged statements made by Champat Rai and the accusations against him, the VHP adopted a restrained position. The organisation said it would not be appropriate to draw conclusions solely on the basis of media reports, and that initiating organisational action against anyone before the completion of the investigation would be premature.

Alok Kumar reiterated that if the investigation establishes negligence or criminal wrongdoing on the part of any individual, such conduct should not be condoned under any circumstances.

Regarding demands for the dissolution of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the VHP said it would not be appropriate to dissolve the entire Trust based on allegations against a few individuals. The organisation maintained that the remaining trustees are respected saints and eminent personalities.

Alok Kumar concluded by saying that the only way to preserve the faith of millions of devotees of Lord Ram is to ensure a completely transparent investigation, punish those found guilty, and establish a foolproof system to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar