‘Institute SC-Monitored Probe Into Ram Temple Trust Irregularities’

The political controversy surrounding alleged financial irregularities in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust have escalated after the Congress demanded a Supreme Court-monitored judicial inquiry into the Trust’s functioning. Addressing a press conference, Congress general secretary Deepa Dasmunshi accused the Trust of betraying the faith of millions of devotees who contributed money, jewellery and offerings for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Calling the issue far more serious than a financial dispute, Dasmunshi said the allegations strike at the heart of public trust and religious sentiment. “This is not merely a financial scandal. It is a grave betrayal of the faith, trust and emotions of millions of devotees,” she said, alleging that donations made by worshippers had been mishandled.

She argued that the Trust was established under the supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and questioned who would be held accountable if the allegations proved to be true. “If wrongdoing is established in an institution created under the supervision of the Prime Minister, who will take responsibility?” she asked.

Congress seeks judicial inquiry and forensic audit

The Congress leader demanded an independent judicial inquiry under the supervision of the Supreme Court into the functioning of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. She also called for the dissolution of the existing Trust and the creation of a new governing body comprising religious leaders, eminent citizens, administrative experts and independent members.

According to Dasmunshi, the inquiry should be supported by a comprehensive forensic audit covering every aspect of the Trust’s financial operations. “There should be a complete forensic audit of all donations, offerings, land transactions, events and expenditures associated with the Ram temple, and the findings must be made public,” she said.

She also pointed to recent developments within the Trust, saying the resignations of former general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra indicated that the controversy extended beyond routine administrative changes.

Dasmunshi further questioned statements made by Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri, who is responsible for overseeing the Trust’s finances, and referred to reported disagreements concerning the status of specially invited Trust member Gopal Rao, also known as Gopal Nagarkote.

She alleged that RSS functionary Krishnamohan had been appointed the Trust’s new general secretary despite accusations regarding his alleged role in handling the controversy.

The Congress leader also claimed that the Prime Minister’s Office played a significant role in shaping the Trust’s structure and appointments, arguing that the Union government could not distance itself from questions about its functioning.

Questions over expenditure and accountability

Dasmunshi further alleged that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had expanded its inquiry to include expenditure related to major events organised by the Trust, including the January 22, 2024 Pran Pratishtha ceremony and the flag-hoisting event held on November 25, 2025.

According to her, investigators were examining alleged irregularities involving nearly Rs 113 crore spent on the consecration ceremony attended by around 8,000 guests, as well as approximately Rs 10.12 crore spent on the later flag-hoisting event.

She referred to allegations involving fake receipts, accounting discrepancies, manipulation of financial records and irregularities related to cash offerings received by the temple.

Dasmunshi accused the authorities of targeting only lower-level employees while avoiding action against senior officials. “Selective resignations and action against junior staff amount to damage control rather than a genuine attempt to uncover the truth,” she alleged.

She also questioned how alleged financial irregularities could have continued despite extensive security arrangements and surveillance systems at the temple complex. “How could such wrongdoing continue under multiple layers of security unless influential people were protecting it?” she asked.

Demanding answers from Prime Minister Modi, Dasmunshi questioned why no action had been initiated against senior figures allegedly linked to the controversy and why the Union government had not backed an independent judicial probe.

She urged the government to register FIRs against those allegedly responsible and make arrests wherever necessary. She also sought clarity on the role played by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Union government in the formation and functioning of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

The allegations have added a fresh political dimension to the management of one of India’s most prominent religious institutions, with the Congress pressing for greater transparency, accountability and judicial oversight. The Trust has not responded publicly to the allegations made by the Congress.