New Delhi: The Congress on Sunday intensified its criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the investigation into the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple, accusing authorities of shielding those responsible for the irregularities.
The opposition party alleged that former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and other officials were being protected in the probe. It also questioned why the Prime Minister had remained silent on the matter, which the party said was directly connected to the faith of millions of devotees.
Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh asked whether the investigation was intended only to identify the alleged petty thieves or whether it would also determine the responsibility of those under whose supervision the incidents occurred.
Congress Questions FIR Delay
Ramesh raised questions over the delay in registering the case. He said a video related to the alleged theft had reached Rai on June 4, while the CCTV footage was viewed on June 5. However, the FIR was filed only on June 25.
“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?” he said.
Ramesh said the delay was particularly significant because CCTV footage had reportedly revealed 105 incidents of donation theft at the temple.
“’Chanda Chori Aastha Dhokha’ Why is the Modi government so lenient towards the thieves who stole donations meant for Lord Shri Ram’s Ayodhya temple?” he said in a post in Hindi on X.
He alleged that although the government used agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation against opposition leaders, the investigation in the temple case had not reached those suspected of shielding the alleged thieves.
Party Seeks Wider Probe
Ramesh also questioned the recovery of only Rs 79.85 lakh in connection with the 105 alleged incidents and asked why the matter was being hushed up, as reported by The New Indian Express.
“Why are Champat Rai and Anil Mishra treated as witnesses rather than accused? Why so?” he said.
Rai and trust member Anil Mishra resigned from their positions in June. The trust later assured that a fair inquiry would be conducted into the allegations.
Ramesh asked how 105 incidents could have taken place without “high-level collusion, negligence, or patronage” and questioned how there could be only eight accused in the case.
The Congress has demanded an independent, impartial and credible investigation monitored by the Supreme Court. It said the total amount allegedly stolen remained undetermined and questioned the haste to close the probe.
“The nation demands an answer: does the Modi government intend to apprehend the actual thieves, or does it wish to bury questions that could implicate powerful, responsible figures?” Ramesh said.
“Prime Minister, when will you break your silence on this matter, which is deeply linked to the faith of the people? Remember, the arrogance of power is suicidal. Now, the country demands an answer as to when accountability for the theft of donations will be fixed,” he said.