New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): Congress spokesperson Ragini Nayak demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the alleged theft of funds and donations linked to the Ram Mandir Trust, alleging that the Trust is dominated by members of the BJP and the RSS.
Speaking to ANI on Friday, Nayak questioned whether expressions of concern by the RSS were sufficient and called for greater accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"The Ram Mandir Trust is packed with people from the BJP and the RSS no one else is involved so is it enough for the RSS to merely express concern?... To ensure accountability, shouldn't Modi ji come forward instead of just sharing his 'Mann Ki Baat ' and address the issue of the theft of funds and donations?," She said.
The Congress leader further alleged that accountability was being avoided and urged the Prime Minister to respond to the issue.
"Today, when it comes to accountability, Vinay Katiyar will offer explanations, while the RSS will simply get away with 'strong condemnation'.PM Modi must answer and there should be an investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court, and the SIT report should be made public," Nayak added.
Earlier on Friday, BJP leader and Bajrang Dal founder Vinay Katiyar said that former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, administrator Gopal Rao and former Trustee Anil Mishra could go to jail in the coming days in connection with irregularities in donations to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
Speaking to ANI on the Ram Mandir donations alleged theft case, Katiyar claimed that funds had been siphoned off and said he had discussed the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"It's clear that money has been siphoned off. I spoke to Modi ji over this matter, and he asked what would happen in future. I told him everything will be fine. There might be a chance that Champat Rai, Gopal Rao and Anil Mishra go to jail in the coming days," he said.
Katiyar also recalled the Ram Janmabhoomi movement while praising former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh for his leadership.
"We have sacrificed for that place. Seven or eight of our people were martyred there. Kalyan Singh asked, 'What are you doing?' I said, 'Nothing is happening; whatever happens, God will make it right.' Kalyan Singh ji was a very good ruler and administrator," he said.
Katiyar also referred to the ongoing inquiry and alleged irregularities in temple donation funds.
"The SIT team investigating the alleged misappropriation of funds donated to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple has extended its tenure by 15 days. The investigation is on its second day," he said.
Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrived at the temple premises to deepen its probe into the financial irregularities. The state government recently granted a 15-day extension to the SIT, widening its scope to ensure a comprehensive inquiry into the entire network involved. (ANI)
