Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 19: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to order an independent investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple, saying devotees who contributed with faith felt "betrayed by the theft".

In a joint letter to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha called for a comprehensive probe into the financial affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Sharing the letter on X, Kharge said, "Our joint letter to PM Modi demanding an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and trust are feeling betrayed by the theft."

The alleged misappropriation of donations came to light in the first week of June and has so far resulted in the arrest of eight persons and the resignation of two senior functionaries of the Trust.

On June 25, police registered an FIR based on a complaint filed by the Trust and arrested eight accused in connection with the case.

In their letter, Gandhi and Kharge said the Prime Minister had announced the formation of the Trust in Parliament in accordance with the Supreme Court's directions, but noted that its members were appointed by the Union government.

They further claimed that the Trust's members were affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and their affiliated organisations, adding that the Trust's former general secretary was a close associate of the Prime Minister.

"Your silence now in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to ensure accountability and restitution," the leaders said.

They urged the Prime Minister to order an independent and comprehensive investigation into the Trust's financial affairs, including the handling of all donations in cash, gold and silver.

The Congress leaders also demanded that the findings of the investigation and the Trust's accounts be made public to ensure transparency and enable devotees to know how their contributions had been utilised.

They said those found responsible should be held accountable irrespective of their position or influence, adding that the credibility of both the government and the Trust depended on transparent and prompt action.