Cong seeks SC-monitored probe into alleged Ram Temple donation scam

PNS

Ranchi

Congress leader and former minister Manikrao Thakare on Thursday accused the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government of failing to ensure accountability in the alleged Ram Temple donation scam. Addressing a press conference in Ranchi, Thakare questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought a Supreme Court-monitored judicial probe into the matter.

Referring to the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Thakare alleged that serious financial irregularities had surfaced but no satisfactory explanation had been provided by either the BJP or the Uttar Pradesh government. He questioned why former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra had resigned if there had been no wrongdoing.

The Congress leader demanded the registration of FIRs against those allegedly involved and called for their immediate arrest. He also urged the government to dissolve the existing temple trust and constitute a new, transparent body comprising religious leaders, eminent citizens and experts. Thakare further sought an independent forensic audit of all donations, land transactions and expenditure related to the temple, with the findings made public.

He also raised concerns over the alleged handling of cash donations, claiming the SIT report had pointed to multiple instances of cash mismanagement despite CCTV surveillance. According to him, the investigation reportedly found irregularities in the handling of temple donations and expenditures related to major events, while recommending action against only a limited number of employees.

The allegations were made by Congress leaders during a press conference. The BJP, the Uttar Pradesh government and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust have not been included in this statement, and their responses should be sought for a balanced report.