60kg silver vanishes from Ram temple donation records: Report
What's the story
A massive controversy has erupted at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, with 60kg of silver bars going missing from the temple's collection records, as per a report by India Today. The silver bars were reportedly donated during the 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony and were meant to be buried in the temple's foundation. However, despite a six-day investigation by a special investigation team (SIT), no clear trail or documentation of these offerings has been found.
Donation dispute
Jewelers Association claims to have receipt of handover
The Jewellers Association, which donated the silver bars, claims to have a receipt for the handover to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Anurag Rastogi, president of the association, said that 60kg of silver bars were prepared with contributions from jewelers across India and donated to Ram Lalla. However, Rastogi also noted that these bars weren't seen during foundation-laying rituals or later construction work.
Investigation progress
SIT questions priests, others in connection with missing silver bars
The SIT has questioned several key figures in connection with the missing silver bars. This includes Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu, Krishnadev Tiwari, and four priests associated with Ram Lalla. Tiwari, who looks after jewelry and offerings at the temple, reportedly denied any knowledge of the missing silver bars or other items under scrutiny, including a necklace and charan paduka (divine sandals).
Embezzlement claims
Investigation launched after allegations of replaced offerings
The investigation was launched after allegations that gold, silver, and diamond ornaments offered at the temple were replaced with fake items. There are also allegations that cash donations were siphoned off from temple collections. The controversy came to light on June 7 when Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged missing donations worth crores of rupees from media reports.
Government action
Political tensions rise as investigation continues
Following a request from the temple trust, the Uttar Pradesh government formed a three-member SIT on June 13 to probe these allegations. The SIT has also questioned Dr Anil Mishra of Ram Mandir trust, who looks after the donation management systems, including storage and utilization of funds. The allegations have led to political tensions between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition parties.