The Congress on Sunday stepped up its attack against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, questioning the probe launched into the case and asking why the ones responsible for overseeing the temple administration have not been named as accused in the case.
Congress general secretary (Communications in-charge) Jairam Ramesh also questioned Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s silence on the matter, opining that ‘arrogance of power is suicidal.’ The party has demanded a fair probe monitored by the Supreme Court (SC) to establish the full facts surrounding the alleged thefts.
Ayodhya Ram Temple and Champat Rai
Congress questions 21-day delay in FIR
Ramesh also raised a key issue; a 21-day gap between the alleged theft being brought to the notice of former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and the registration of an FIR.
As per Ramesh, a video feed concerning the stolen donations reached Rai on June 4 this year, while CCTV footage was viewed on June 5. However, an FIR was registered in connection with the incident on June 25.
The Congress leader questioned why the circumstances behind the delay had not been explained completely. Ramesh asserted, “Our question is straightforward: a video regarding the stolen amount reached Champat Rai on June 4, the CCTV footage was viewed on June 5, and the FIR was lodged on June 25. Why hasn't the full truth behind this 21-day delay been revealed to the nation?”
105 incidents of donation thefts, but only 8 named as accused
Furthering his attack, Ramesh also raised questions on the reported number of theft incidents and the number of people named as accused in the case. According to his claims, CCTV footage showed 105 incidents involving the alleged theft of donations, while only 8 people had been named as accused.
He further asked why Champat Rai and Trust Member Anil Mishra were being treated as witnesses rather than accused. Thereafter, the Congress questioned the recovery of money. Ramesh said only Rs 79.85 lakh had been recovered despite the reported 105 incidents and questioned whether the probe was limited to identifying those allegedly involved in stealing the money or would also examine accountability within the temple administration.
He asked, “Was the objective of the investigation merely to catch petty thieves, or was it also to fix accountability for those under whose watch and patronage these events transpired.”
Rai and Mishra stepped down from their respective positions in June. The Trust had said that a fair probe would be conducted into the allegations concerning the temple donations.
Congress seeks probe monitored by SC
The Congress has continued to press demands for an independent investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court, contending that such a process would help establish the facts surrounding the alleged thefts.
Ramesh also questioned what he called ‘a rush’ to conclude the probe even though the total amount allegedly stolen had not been established fully. In a post on his official ‘X’ handle, he accused the Narendra Modi-led government of being lenient towards the ones allegedly involved in the theft of donations meant for the Ayodhya Ram Temple and asked why the probe had not reached the people suspected of shielding the alleged thieves.
Furthermore, he also sought a direct explanation from PM Modi, asking when he would break his silence on an issue linked to the faith of millions.