Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday questioned the investigation into the alleged Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation row, claiming that the FIR filed in the case targets only junior employees while protecting those higher up the chain.
Kejriwal made the remarks after offering prayers at the Ram Mandir and Hanumangarhi Temple during his visit to Ayodhya along with AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh.
Kejriwal Seeks Strict Punishment for Those Responsible
After offering prayers, Kejriwal said he prayed for strict punishment for everyone involved if the allegations prove true.
“I prayed that whoever is guilty of this ‘maha paap’ should receive the strictest possible punishment from God,” he said.
However, he criticised the ongoing investigation, calling the FIR a mere “eyewash.”
‘Only Junior Employees Are Being Targeted’
Kejriwal alleged that the alleged embezzlement could not have continued for a long period without the involvement of senior officials.
According to him, eight lower-level employees have been arrested, but the investigation should also examine whether more influential individuals played a role.
“The scam continued for a long time. It is difficult to believe that only junior employees were responsible. Those higher up should also be investigated if evidence points in that direction,” he said.
What Is the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation Row?
The controversy began after allegations surfaced that donations made by devotees at the Ram Mandir were allegedly misappropriated.
The issue gained attention after cash was reportedly recovered from the residence of a temple employee.
Following the allegations, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust denied wrongdoing but requested an investigation into the matter.
The Uttar Pradesh government subsequently constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 14 to examine the allegations.
FIR Registered Against Eight Accused
Police registered an FIR on June 25 after the SIT submitted its preliminary findings recommending criminal proceedings.
Eight individuals named in the FIR have since been arrested.
The case has been registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal conspiracy.
BJP Defends Investigation
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has rejected allegations that the investigation is selective.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said the government is treating the matter seriously and assured that action will be taken against anyone found guilty after the investigation.
BJP MP Dinesh Sharma also defended the probe, noting that the temple trust itself approached the police and sought legal action, describing the process as transparent.
SIT Suggests Administrative Reforms
Apart from recommending criminal action, the SIT has also proposed several administrative reforms to improve transparency in temple management.
The recommendations include appointing a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for temple administration, conducting weekly audits of donations, and strengthening record-keeping systems to ensure better accountability in handling devotees’ contributions.
The investigation into the alleged donation irregularities is continuing, while political exchanges over the issue are expected to intensify in the coming days.
