Rahul Gandhi, Kharge demand independent probe into Ram Temple donation theft
Synopsis
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have directly challenged PM Modi over the Ram Temple donation theft scandal, demanding an independent probe and public disclosure of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's accounts. With eight arrests made, ₹7 crore allegedly siphoned, and the Supreme Court already seeking a status report, the case is fast becoming a test of institutional accountability at one of India's most politically charged religious sites.
Key Takeaways
Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to PM Modi on 19 July demanding an independent probe into the Ram Temple donation theft case .
Whistleblowers allege up to ₹7 crore in cash and jewellery was siphoned from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya .
Eight individuals , including temple staff and bank employees, have been arrested so far.
The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed an SIT to audit the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accounts.
The Supreme Court has sought a status report on the investigation.
Congress demanded full public disclosure of the Trust's cash, gold, and silver accounts, irrespective of political influence.
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 July, demanding an independent and comprehensive investigation into the Ram Temple donation theft case in Ayodhya, citing the sense of betrayal felt by lakhs of devotees whose offerings are at the centre of the controversy.
What the Letter Says
In their letter, Gandhi and Kharge urged the Prime Minister to immediately order an independent probe into the financial affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, covering all offerings — cash, gold, and silver. The Congress leaders wrote: 'You are aware of the theft of thousands of crores in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and Trust are feeling betrayed by the theft.'
They further stated: 'Your silence now in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to ensure accountability and restitution.' The letter also demanded that the Trust's accounts and the findings of any inquiry be made public so that devotees know how their contributions have been utilised.
Governance Concerns and Political Accountability
The Congress leaders criticised the composition of the Trust, pointing out that its members were 'solely appointed' by the Modi government following the Prime Minister's announcement of the Trust's formation in Parliament, on the directions of the Supreme Court. They noted it is 'public knowledge' that Trust members are affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The letter also referenced the Trust's 'disgraced former General Secretary', describing him as a 'close associate' of the Prime Minister. Gandhi and Kharge concluded: 'All those found responsible must be held accountable, irrespective of position or influence. The credibility of your government and the Trust rests on how transparently and swiftly you act.'
The Theft Case: What Is Known
The Ram Temple donation theft case centres on a criminal investigation into the alleged embezzlement of cash and precious items donated by devotees at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Whistleblowers reportedly raised concerns that up to ₹7 crore worth of cash and jewellery may have been siphoned off. So far, eight individuals — including temple staff, bank employees, and aides to trust officials — have been arrested, according to police, after investigators discovered security lapses and unauthorised access during the cash-counting process.
The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to audit the Trust's accounts and oversee counting-room operations. Notably, the Supreme Court has also sought a status report on the progress of the probe.
Security Overhaul at the Temple
In response to the revelations, the temple trust has tightened security protocols, introducing mandatory frisking, biometric tracking, and round-the-clock police oversight across all cash-counting areas. The measures are aimed at preventing any recurrence of the alleged misappropriation.
What Comes Next
With the Supreme Court monitoring the investigation and opposition pressure mounting, the government faces a dual test of accountability and institutional credibility. Whether the Centre responds to Congress's demand for an independent probe — separate from the state-appointed SIT — will be closely watched by both devotees and political observers in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
And position the opposition as the voice of aggrieved devotees rather than critics of the temple itself. The distinction matters. By framing their demand around devotees' betrayal rather than ideological opposition, Gandhi and Kharge sidestep the usual counter-narrative. The more uncomfortable question is structural: a Trust formed on Supreme Court directions, staffed by government appointees, and now under criminal investigation, raises serious questions about whether the institutional design of such bodies adequately separates religious stewardship from political patronage. The SIT probe is a state mechanism — the demand for an independent inquiry reflects a legitimate concern that the investigating agency reports to the same government that appointed the Trust.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ram Temple donation theft case?
The Ram Temple donation theft case is a criminal investigation into the alleged embezzlement of cash and precious items donated by devotees at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Whistleblowers reportedly raised concerns that up to ₹7 crore in cash and jewellery may have been siphoned off, leading to the arrest of eight individuals including temple staff and bank employees.
Why have Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge written to PM Modi?
Gandhi and Kharge wrote to PM Modi on 19 July demanding an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. They argued that the Trust was solely staffed by government appointees and that the Prime Minister's silence on the theft was unacceptable given his role in forming the Trust.
What action has the government taken so far?
The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to audit the Trust's accounts and oversee counting-room operations. The temple trust has also tightened security with mandatory frisking, biometric tracking, and police oversight. The Supreme Court has separately sought a status report on the probe.
Who has been arrested in the Ram Temple theft case?
Eight individuals have been arrested so far, including temple staff, bank employees, and aides to trust officials, according to police. Investigators found evidence of security lapses and unauthorised access during the cash-counting process.
What is the Congress demanding from the government?
Congress has demanded an independent investigation into all financial dealings of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, full public disclosure of cash, gold, and silver accounts, and accountability for all those found responsible regardless of their position or political affiliation.
