New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): Congress leader Pawan Khera on Monday targeted the Narendra Modi-led Central government over the ongoing controversy involving alleged embezzlement of donations from the Ayodhya Ram Temple, alleging that the State Bank of India (SBI) had earlier recommended the removal of donation-counting staff over suspicions of theft.
In a post on his official X handle, Khera attached a media report and reiterated his allegations regarding irregularities in the handling of donations made by devotees. He claimed that warnings regarding suspected theft were ignored and raised questions over accountability.
"First, donations made in the name of Lord Ram were stolen. Then, the employees who raised the alarm were silenced and thrown out of their jobs. Now it has emerged that the State Bank of India had, three months ago, recommended the removal of the donation-counting staff because of suspicions of theft. Even that warning was ignored. How many warnings were buried? How many red flags were deliberately overlooked?" Khera said.
The Congress leader further reiterated that the State Bank of India had, three months ago, recommended the removal of the donation-counting staff over suspicions of theft. He alleged that despite the reported warning, no corrective action was taken by those concerned.
Questioning the functioning of those managing the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Khera sought accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging inaction despite the reported warning.
"More importantly, who has turned a blind eye to these warnings? Were these not your hand-picked and trusted trustees, Modi Ji? The Ram Mandir Trust is your creation. The Treasurer is your man. The General Secretary is your man. The Chairman is your man. But the moment reports of theft surfaced, you left for the Seychelles like it was none of your business," Khera alleged.
Calling for accountability, the Congress leader urged the Prime Minister to respond to the allegations.
"At the very least, honour the dignity of Lord Ram and the faith of millions who donated in His name. Provide answers - to the nation and to Lord Ram," he said.
Meanwhile, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered on June 25 in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
According to officials, the case has been filed under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61 and 3(5), on the directions of the Uttar Pradesh Government.
Those who have been named in the FIR are: Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Tinnu Yadav, Manish Yadav and others. This comes after allegations were made by former SP MLA from Ayodhya, Pawan Pandey, who claimed that between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore in donations were misappropriated from the Ram Mandir.
Following the allegations, on June 14, the state government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged scam involving offerings made at the Ram Mandir, following a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Trust. (ANI)
