Ayodhya (Gurpreet Singh): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is set to conduct a comprehensive re-audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s financial records following intense pressure from Opposition parties demanding public accountability and a Supreme Court-monitored investigation. The upcoming scrutiny will span an entire five-year period, meticulously reviewing all construction-related expenditure along with valuable donations of jewellery, gold, and silver items. The move comes amid escalating political friction over the alleged misappropriation of funds dedicated to the temple.
Senior BJP leader and former MP Vinay Katiyar revealed that he spoke directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed deep concern over the reported theft of donations. Katiyar noted that while prominent temple officials and former trust members, including Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao, have avoided immediate detention, they could face imprisonment in the future if the investigation uncovers definitive proof of wrongdoing. He emphasized that anyone found responsible for the financial irregularities must face strict legal consequences.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) also addressed the controversy publicly for the first time, with general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale stating that the alleged embezzlement has deeply hurt the faith of Ram devotees and the wider society. While calling on the SIT to ensure severe punishment for the guilty, Hosabale cautioned that anti-national forces might exploit the unfortunate incident to malign Hindu dharma, urging the public to maintain patience. In response, the Congress party strongly condemned the stance, with senior leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera dismissing the statement as a shameful attempt at damage control designed to shield high-level individuals within the organization’s network.
