Donation Scam Row: Sanjay Raut Calls For Probe Into Ram Mandir Trust Treasurer
Raut Demands Wider Probe Into Ram Mandir Donation Row
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday demanded that Ram Mandir Trust Treasurer Govind Giri also be investigated if the alleged financial irregularities involving the Ram Mandir treasury occurred during his tenure. Raut said the treasurer carries the primary responsibility for safeguarding the temple's funds, maintaining financial records and ensuring proper oversight of donations received by the trust.
Addressing reporters, Raut said any investigation into the alleged donation scam should examine the role of all individuals responsible for managing the temple's finances. "If the alleged theft of the Ram Mandir treasury took place during his tenure, then Ram Mandir Trust Treasurer Govind Giri must also face investigation. The treasurer bears the primary responsibility for safeguarding the temple's funds, financial oversight, and maintaining the temple's accounts," he said.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also questioned the trust's financial management practices, saying that relying solely on auditors from Pune was inadequate for an institution of such national and religious significance. According to Raut, the Ram Mandir attracts donations from millions of devotees across the country and therefore requires a robust, transparent and professionally managed financial system. He argued that stronger accountability mechanisms are essential to maintain public confidence in the administration of the temple's funds.
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Raut emphasised that the Ram Mandir is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of national pride for millions of Hindus. He said countless people had contributed to and sacrificed for the construction of the temple, making it imperative that every rupee donated by devotees is managed with complete transparency. His remarks come amid a political row over allegations of financial irregularities linked to the temple trust, although authorities have not publicly established the veracity of the allegations.
The Rajya Sabha MP also referred to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, describing him as a "devout devotee of Lord Ram," and recalled Fadnavis' association with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Raut suggested that leaders who have long supported the movement should also favour a transparent and impartial investigation into any allegations concerning the trust's finances, irrespective of the individuals involved.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has not publicly responded to Raut's latest remarks. The allegations surrounding the temple's finances have sparked political debate, with opposition leaders demanding greater accountability and transparency in the management of donations. Any determination regarding alleged financial irregularities will depend on the findings of the appropriate investigative authorities, if a formal probe is initiated.
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