Plea filed in Supreme Court for CBI probe into Ram temple funds
A petition has been moved in the Supreme Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged embezzlement of funds collected for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The plea, filed by advocate Ashish Tripathi, highlights reports of missing crores of rupees from the temple fund and argues that only a specialized agency like the CBI can uncover the truth behind the financial irregularities.
Allegations of missing funds
The petition states that over ₹1,000 crore was collected through donations for the temple construction, but discrepancies in accounts suggest a significant portion may have been misappropriated. It cites media reports and anonymous whistleblower accounts indicating that funds were diverted to unauthorized accounts and used for purposes other than temple construction. The plea emphasizes that a comprehensive investigation by an agency with expertise in financial and economic offences is essential to restore public trust.
Demand for independent investigation
The petitioner argues that the local police or state agencies lack the capacity to handle such a complex financial probe. It requests the Supreme Court to direct the CBI to register an FIR and investigate all aspects of the alleged embezzlement, including the roles of trustees, contractors, and officials of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the temple construction. The plea also seeks a court-monitored probe to ensure transparency.
Background of the Ram temple construction
The Ram temple in Ayodhya is being built on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid, following a landmark Supreme Court verdict in 2019 that granted the land to Hindus. The construction, spearheaded by the trust, has attracted massive donations from devotees worldwide. However, recent allegations of financial mismanagement have raised concerns about the utilization of these funds.
Next steps in the legal process
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the plea in the coming weeks. If admitted, it could lead to a full-fledged CBI investigation, which might involve scrutiny of bank records, donation receipts, and expenditure details. The temple trust has denied any wrongdoing, stating that all funds are accounted for and audited regularly. However, the petitioner maintains that an independent probe is necessary to clear the air and ensure accountability.
