Patna/Ayodhya: Political controversy surrounding the finances of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has intensified after RJD MP Sudhakar Singh issued a legal notice to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, demanding a comprehensive disclosure of donations received and expenditure incurred over the past four years.
The notice, sent through advocate Satyam Singh Rajput, has been addressed to Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, General Secretary Champat Rai, Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri and other office-bearers of the Trust.
Demand for Financial Disclosure
In the notice, Sudhakar Singh, who represents Buxar in Bihar, has sought a detailed, item-wise and year-wise account of all donations received and expenditures made by the Trust from the 2021-22 financial year through 2025-26.
The MP has asked the Trust to make the information public within three days. The requested records include audited balance sheets, income and expenditure statements, auditor reports, bank account details, land purchase documents and information relating to any foreign contributions received under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
Allegations Trigger Political Debate
The legal notice follows allegations made by former Samajwadi Party MLA Pawan Pandey, who claimed that approximately Rs 7 crore to Rs 7.5 crore meant for the Ram Mandir had been misappropriated.
The allegations were strongly rejected by Champat Rai, who dismissed the claims and denied any wrongdoing.
The issue subsequently drew political attention, with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav demanding an impartial investigation. He questioned the response of the Uttar Pradesh government and called for relevant CCTV footage to be made public. Akhilesh Yadav also urged the courts to take cognisance of the matter.
SIT Investigation Underway
Amid mounting controversy, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) last week to examine the allegations.
The team comprises senior officials of the rank of Commissioner, Inspector General and Secretary. The SIT began its inquiry earlier this week and has reportedly questioned Champat Rai as part of the investigation.
Investigators are also examining the role of Ramashankar, also known as Tinnu Yadav, who is considered a close associate of Champat Rai. According to officials, the SIT is scrutinising information related to his assets and financial dealings.
The probe is also focusing on individuals involved in the counting and management of donation funds, with investigators examining whether any irregularities occurred in the handling of contributions received by the temple.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has not issued any fresh public response to the legal notice so far.
