KC Venugopal alleges 'massive financial fraud' at Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Congress MP KC Venugopal moved an Adjournment Motion in Lok Sabha over alleged massive financial fraud and embezzlement of public donations at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, demanding a Supreme Court-supervised inquiry into the matter.

Congress MP KC Venugopal on Friday moved an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha to discuss what he described as "shocking revelations" of massive financial fraud and embezzlement of public donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. In his notice, Venugopal alleged, "There is an urgent need to discuss the shocking revelations of massive financial fraud, theft, and embezzlement of public donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Recent reports indicate a highly organised racket operating within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, where bundles of cash and valuable jewellery donated by millions of devoted citizens have been systematically siphoned off."

'Coordinated Effort to Cover-Up'

He further alleged a coordinated effort to cover up the irregularities, saying, "The deliberate destruction of 7 to 8 months of crucial CCTV footage to cover up these crimes, coupled with the unceremonious removal of the former Chief Accounts Officer who red-flagged these irregularities as early as 2020- 21, points to deep-rooted institutional complicity."

Demand for Independent Inquiry

The Congress leader dismissed the existing investigation by the state government as "mere eyewash". " Furthermore, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the State Government on June 13, and the subsequent FIR lodged on June 25, appear to be a mere eyewash targeting only low-level outsourced staff, while potentially shielding powerful individuals who masterminded this multi-crore embezzlement," he alleged.

Terming the situation a "monumental betrayal of the faith and hard-earned life savings of 1.4 billion Indians," Venugopal demanded the immediate suspension of regular business in the House to discuss the "grave sacrilege." He urged the Union Government to "institute a high-level, independent inquiry, under the supervision of a Supreme Court Judge--capable of investigating powerful entities--to uncover the whole truth, safeguard the sacred offerings, and ensure strict accountability."

UP Govt Constitutes Fresh SIT

Meanwhile, on July 27, the Uttar Pradesh government informed the Supreme Court that, in compliance with its earlier directions, it has constituted a fresh Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kiran S to investigate the alleged embezzlement of donations made at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. So far, eight accused have been arrested. Investigators are now tracing the complete money trail to identify additional assets and beneficiaries. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)