Opposition Demands High Court Probe into Ram Mandir Donation Allegations

Opposition parties, led by the Congress, have called for a time-bound investigation by a sitting High Court judge into allegations of missing donations from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The demand comes amid claims of financial irregularities involving hundreds of crores of rupees, which the Congress has termed an 'organised plunder' by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai, speaking in New Delhi on Tuesday, said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the state government is a 'farce' and that a fair probe requires a sitting judge. He cited allegations made by a former BJP MP, Gopal Rao, who is also a trust member, and pointed to the controversial roles of other trust members, including Champat Rai Bansal and Anil Mishra. 'The information coming out shows organised loot involving big people,' Rai said.

Rai also criticised the SIT's leadership, noting that the officer heading it is under investigation for a stampede at the Mahakumbh in January 2025. He held Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government responsible for the alleged corruption, stating that all trust members have close ties with the ruling dispensation.

Separately, Santosh Dubey, head of the Hindu Dharma Sena, filed a written complaint at the Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station in Ayodhya, accusing trust secretary Champat Rai and three others – Anil Mishra, Gopal Rao, and Tinu – of embezzling donations. Dubey, who claims to have been an activist in the Ram Mandir agitation, urged police to register a case.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also weighed in, alleging rising corruption in Uttar Pradesh and questioning why salaries of temple staff have not been increased. 'If they were paid lakhs a month, perhaps they wouldn't have to think in this direction,' he said, referring to the alleged embezzlement.

The BJP has not yet officially responded to the allegations. The SIT has already begun its probe, having visited the Ram temple complex earlier this week. The issue has sparked a political row, with the Congress demanding a transparent and time-bound judicial inquiry to restore public faith.