Ayodhya Temple Donation Probe: Case Against 8 Over Missing Cash, Jewellery
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has filed a police complaint against eight individuals in connection with alleged irregularities in donations received at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The trust itself initiated the First Information Report (FIR) two days after a Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government, submitted its preliminary findings on the matter.
According to the trust, the allegations involve cash and jewellery donated by devotees that have gone unaccounted for at the temple. The trust, established on February 5, 2020, following the Supreme Court's verdict that cleared the way for the construction of the temple, is estimated to have received approximately Rs 3,500 crore in cash donations alone since its inception, in addition to jewellery and other offerings.
The SIT was formed to investigate the irregularities and has now submitted its preliminary report to the state government. The trust's decision to file the FIR demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability in handling devotees' offerings. Further investigations are underway to determine the exact nature and extent of the alleged irregularities.
The Ram Mandir is a significant religious site in Ayodhya, and the management of donations has been a matter of public interest. The trust has assured that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that donations are properly accounted for and used for the temple's development and related charitable activities.
