Kolkata, Dec 11 (NationPress) The West Bengal Islamic Foundation of India, established for the envisioned Babri Mosque in Beldanga, located in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, by the recently suspended Trinamool Congress figure Humayun Kabir, has collected an impressive Rs 3.50 crore in donations.

The manual tally of cash donations, which filled 11 trunks, concluded on Wednesday night, revealing a total of Rs 87 lakh, as confirmed by a close associate of Kabir.

Additionally, the online contributions, made through a QR code to the designated bank account of the trust, have reached Rs 2.63 crore as of Wednesday evening.

The cash counting process began Sunday afternoon and continued until night, culminating in a total of Rs 37,33,000 in cash from four boxes. The counting resumed on Monday afternoon using machines.

By Tuesday, the remaining seven boxes were accounted for, bringing the cash donations from these containers to Rs 38,34,000. In total, Rs 75,67,523 was counted from 11 boxes and one sack.

However, contributions continued to pour in, with an additional amount nearing Rs 11 lakh counted on Wednesday, bringing the cash total to approximately Rs 87 lakh.

Moreover, Humayun Kabir had set up an online donation system with a specific QR code, reporting that Rs 2,62,00,000 has been deposited in the trust's bank account.

Sources close to Kabir anticipate that the donations will keep increasing, with many individuals supporting the mosque's construction; the identities of those contributing large sums are being kept confidential for now.

Expectations for donations have surpassed initial projections, as the trust authorities aim to swiftly transfer the cash from the collection boxes to the bank.

This counting process was streamed live to ensure transparency.

Furthermore, a secure location is being arranged to safeguard these funds, complete with security measures such as CCTV surveillance.

A controversy arose following Kabir's decision to initiate the foundation laying for a mosque modeled after the Babri Masjid in Beldanga.

On December 4, the leadership of the Trinamool Congress expelled Kabir from the party due to actions deemed anti-party. Nevertheless, Kabir proceeded with his plans on December 6, laying the mosque's foundation.

Humayun has announced that the construction of the Babri Masjid is set to commence in the first week of February in Beldanga, with a recitation of the Quran by one lakh voices planned the day before construction begins.

Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was lodged at the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday, requesting a halt to the mosque's construction. This matter is expected to be addressed next week.