The Ram Temple Donation controversy has entered the political spotlight after Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal called for an independent investigation into the handling of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Addressing the media, Sapkal alleged that devotees who contributed cash, gold, silver, jewellery, and other valuables deserve complete transparency regarding the accounting and utilisation of temple donations.
He further claimed that an inquiry into reported theft and alleged financial irregularities had resulted in the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, although these claims have not been independently verified by Sprouts News. Sapkal also alleged that criminal cases had been registered against several employees while questioning why senior office-bearers had allegedly not faced similar action. The allegations remain unverified, and no court or competent authority has established wrongdoing by the trust or its office-bearers.
Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Case: Congress Leader Harshvardhan Sapkal Seeks Independent Probe, Raises Questions Over Trust Administration
Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal has called for an independent investigation into the handling of donations made to the Ayodhya Ram Temple, alleging financial irregularities and demanding greater transparency from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The Ayodhya Ram Temple donation case has become the subject of renewed political debate after Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal alleged irregularities in the handling of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and sought an impartial investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
Addressing the media, Harshvardhan Sapkal claimed that devotees who donated cash, gold, silver, jewellery, and other valuables for the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple deserve complete transparency regarding the accounting and utilisation of those contributions.
Harshvardhan Sapkal alleged that an inquiry into the reported theft and alleged financial irregularities involving temple donations had led to the resignations of Champat Rai, identified as the Trust’s General Secretary, and trustee Anil Mishra. Sprouts News has not independently verified these claims.
According to Harshvardhan Sapkal, criminal cases have reportedly been registered against several employees in connection with the alleged incident, while he questioned why senior functionaries had allegedly not faced similar action. These allegations have not been independently verified by Sprouts News.
Also Read: Amazon Bhiwandi Warehouse Faces Probe Over Expired Food.
Related News: Ram Mandir Donation Audit Report Raises Fresh Questions.
Congress Demands Transparency Over Ram Mandir Donations
Harshvardhan Sapkal further alleged that Champat Rai has close associations with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and claimed that lower-level employees had allegedly been targeted while senior office-bearers remained outside the scope of action.
He also referred to Ramashankar Yadav, also known as “Tinnu”, describing him as a driver and trusted associate of Champat Rai, while alleging that staff involved in donation counting and supervision had been arrested. Sprouts News has not independently verified these assertions.
Harshvardhan Sapkal further claimed that devotees from across India had donated gold and silver bricks, diamond jewellery, and other valuables for the temple, including an allegation that members of the Sindhi community had donated approximately 200 kilograms of silver bricks without receiving formal receipts.
According to Harshvardhan Sapkal, the Trust should publicly disclose a complete accounting of cash donations, jewellery, precious metals, and other valuables received from devotees. He argued that greater transparency would strengthen public confidence in the institution.
Call for Supreme Court-Monitored Investigation
Harshvardhan Sapkal alleged that an FIR has been registered under Sections 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in relation to the reported case. Sprouts News has not independently verified the contents or scope of the FIR.
He urged that the matter be investigated through a neutral and independent process monitored by the Supreme Court of India. He also called upon the Union Government to ensure a fair inquiry and requested the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to publish audit reports relating to the Trust if applicable.
The allegations made by Harshvardhan Sapkal represent the position of the Maharashtra Congress and have been reported here in that context. At the time of publication, no response from Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), or the Prime Minister’s Office was available to Sprouts News. Their responses will be incorporated if received.
