Investigation team on Ram Mandir donation fraud to visit Ayodhya soon, SC to hear plea on central probe
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donation money at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya is likely to visit the grounds soon to question those associated with the temple's trust. That's according to a report by news agency Press Trust of India which cited unnamed officials.
The team is expected to visit the holy city to examine records and and question those connected to the donation management system. The SIT was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh state government exactly a month ago, as allegations emerged that millions in donated cash and precious metal had been misappropriated.
The alleged fraud has turned into a political flash point for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.
Inaugurated by Modi in January 2024, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir is a symbol of success for India's ruling Hindu nationalist government.
The construction of the temple itself was controversial as it was built on the grounds of the Babri mosque, demolished by violent Hindu nationalist mobs in 1992. Building this grand temple was a central promise of Modi and his ministers' campaign before coming to power in 2014 and then again in 2019.
The temple trust was set up under the Home Ministry's notification, and its trustees include known associates of the BJP government.
While the team deliberates their next move, the Supreme Court is set to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a fair and time-bound probe into the matter, possibly by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Several critics have expressed their lack confidence in the state government's appointed SIT since, fearing a conflict of interest.
