Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) President Alok Kumar on Thursday, 25 June demanded the immediate registration of an FIR in the alleged donation pilfering controversy at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, calling any diversion of offerings made to the temple a direct blow to the faith of the Hindu community. Kumar's remarks came as a preliminary probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) reportedly identified individuals involved in the alleged embezzlement.

VHP's Core Demand

Kumar described the controversy as “sad and unfortunate” and pressed for swift legal action. “Any money diverted from the offerings of Ram ji’s temple is a blow to the faith of Hindu society. An SIT was formed, and its preliminary probe has reportedly identified some individuals involved in embezzlement. That is why there is no need to wait any further,” he said.

He called for the probe to be supervised by senior police officers and supported by expert assistance wherever needed. The VHP further demanded that a chargesheet be filed at the earliest and the case be sent to a fast-track court for daily hearings. “If the guilty are punished and sent to jail within four to five months, Hindu society will feel satisfied,” Kumar added.

Investigation Status and Named Officials

Kumar acknowledged that as of Thursday, no formal FIR had been registered and the investigation had not yet commenced. He named Champat Rai and Dr Anil Mishra as individuals associated with the matter, describing them as “dedicated and emotional individuals,” while declining to advise on whether they should resign. He stressed that all persons named in the matter must be investigated fairly and that law enforcement must be allowed to work without pressure.

“If the investigation is conducted honestly, the truth will come out. The police should be allowed to work independently,” he said.

Political Backdrop and Opposition Charges

The controversy unfolds with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in power in Uttar Pradesh. Kumar alleged that opposition parties were attempting to exploit the issue ahead of the 2027 state elections. He accused those who had historically opposed the Ram Mandir’s construction of now using the controversy for political gain, and warned that “the Hindu public will never forgive the parties that are politicising this matter.”

Notably, the Ram Mandir controversy comes just over a year after the temple’s consecration ceremony in January 2024, which drew nationwide attention and was attended by senior political and religious figures.

Call for Professional Fund Management

Beyond demanding an FIR, Kumar urged that the temple trust overhaul its financial management systems. He called for the involvement of experienced administrators, the establishment of standard operating procedures, and the creation of “foolproof systems” to safeguard temple funds. “There should be foolproof systems so that no one can cast an eye on Ram ji’s property. I believe that in the coming days, the trust will do this,” he said.

The matter is expected to escalate further as political parties stake out positions ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections, with the Ram Mandir’s sanctity likely to remain a central point of contention.