The controversy surrounding the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case intensified on Friday after Hanuman Garhi temple priest Mahant Raju Das strongly criticised former Uttar Pradesh minister Swami Prasad Maurya over his remarks on the issue.
The latest development comes as the investigation into the alleged misappropriation of temple donations continues, with eight people arrested so far.
Swami Prasad Maurya’s Remarks Spark Fresh Political Row
The controversy escalated after Swami Prasad Maurya questioned how Lord Ram could protect devotees if alleged theft had taken place at the temple.
Referring to the ongoing investigation, Maurya said that if Lord Ram could not prevent theft at his own temple, people should question claims about divine protection.
His comments triggered sharp reactions from religious leaders and political figures.
Priest Seeks Action Against Maurya
Responding to the remarks, Mahant Raju Das condemned Maurya’s statement and called for legal action against him.
Das urged people not to politicise the ongoing investigation and expressed confidence that all those involved in the alleged financial irregularities would be identified through the legal process.
He also referred to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s earlier statement that an impartial investigation would reveal the complete truth.
According to Das, eight people have already been arrested, and he believes further action will follow if additional evidence emerges.
Investigation Into Ram Temple Donation Case
The donation controversy began earlier this month after Samajwadi Party leader Tej Narayan ‘Pawan’ Pandey alleged that donations worth between ₹5 crore and ₹7.5 crore had been siphoned off from the Ram Temple’s offerings.
Following the allegations, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust requested an inquiry.
The Uttar Pradesh government subsequently constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13 to investigate the allegations.
According to investigators, eight people associated with the temple management have been arrested. Officials have also reportedly recovered nearly ₹80 lakh during searches linked to the case.
Trust Officials Step Down
Amid the ongoing investigation, people familiar with the developments said Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and senior Trust member Anil Mishra resigned on Friday.
There has been no official statement explaining the reasons for the resignations.
Probe Continues
The SIT is continuing its investigation into the alleged donation irregularities.
Authorities have stated that the inquiry will determine whether financial misappropriation took place and identify all individuals responsible. Officials have urged the public to allow the investigation to proceed without speculation.
