Ram Temple donation theft row: D Raja seeks judicial probe and CAG audit of Trust

CPI general secretary D Raja has sought a judicial probe and a CAG audit into the Ram Temple donation theft row in Ayodhya, saying accountability must be fixed. He urged the release of CCTV footage and wider scrutiny of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust after it accepted resignations linked to the controversy.

CPI general secretary D Raja called for a judicial probe and a CAG audit over the donations theft row at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. D Raja said the facts should be brought out in public. D Raja also said those responsible must be held to account. The demand followed new steps announced by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

The controversy began on June 7 after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple. Champat Rai rejected the claim at the time. Champat Rai said, "Nothing noteworthy came to light during the ongoing internal audit.\" The issue later led to arrests and changes inside the temple trust.

Ram temple donations theft row: Arrests and SIT findings

Based on a preliminary report by an SIT set up by the Uttar Pradesh government, police arrested eight people. The arrests involved those linked to counting cash and valuables from donations. The SIT review followed allegations about missing donations at the Ram temple. The case became a political issue after claims and denials were exchanged.

Ram temple donations theft row: Trust resignations and interim appointment

On Monday, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accepted two resignations. Champat Rai stepped down as general secretary, and Anil Mishra resigned as a member. The Trust met on Monday for the first time after the row erupted. The Trust named trustee Krishna Mohan as interim general secretary.

Ram temple donations theft row: Committee to pick CEO for Trust

The Trust also said it formed a three-member committee to identify a chief executive officer. The committee includes retired judge Pramod Kohli. It also includes retired lieutenant general Vishnukant Chaturvedi and trustee Suresh Haware. The panel was announced during the Monday meeting of the Trust.

Ram temple donations theft row: D Raja demands probe and CAG audit

In a post on X, D Raja said the episode showed a wider problem in temple management. D Raja said it highlighted the need to protect temples from RSS and the Sangh Parivar control. D Raja alleged the Sangh Parivar had long collected donations in Lord Ram’s name. D Raja said such faith must not fuel political influence.

Ram temple donations theft row: Calls to release CCTV footage

D Raja said the Trust’s acceptance of resignations did not settle the matter. D Raja demanded a judicial probe into the alleged theft. D Raja also asked for CCTV footage to be made public. D Raja said the entire Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust should face a CAG audit. D Raja said accountability must be ensured.

The donations theft row at the Ram temple continued to draw attention after arrests and leadership changes. The Trust appointed Krishna Mohan as interim general secretary and set up a committee to find a CEO. D Raja kept pressing for a judicial probe, public release of CCTV footage, and a CAG audit. The dispute began with allegations made on June 7.

With inputs from PTI