New Delhi: The controversy surrounding the theft of offerings at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is intensifying, with an SIT currently investigating the matter. The government and the opposition are at loggerheads over this issue; SP chief and former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav has launched a scathing attack on the BJP government. Meanwhile, the SIT is expected to submit its investigation report by July 10, after which major action could be taken against the accused.
Amidst this, SP MP from Ayodhya, Awadhesh Prasad, has launched a fierce attack on the government. He stated that mere resignations are meaningless because the incident has nationwide ramifications. He asserted that the theft of offerings at the Ram Mandir was not just a theft but a dacoity (robbery). He remarked that this incident has not only tarnished the sanctity of Lord Ram’s temple but has also brought disrepute to the residents of Ayodhya. He argued that ordinary punishment is insufficient for the perpetrators; instead, a special law should be enacted to impose a punishment that goes down in history.
What did Awadhesh Prasad say?
Awadhesh Prasad, the SP MP from Ayodhya, made a significant statement regarding the Ram Mandir theft case. He addressed the resignations of Ram Mandir management figures Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao. He further stated that the theft of donations and offerings at Lord Shri Ram’s temple has disgraced the people and insisted that the perpetrators receive exemplary punishment.
He added that a special law should be enacted if necessary. The SP MP also quoted a verse from Tulsidas: “Whenever righteousness declines, vile and arrogant demons arise.” He remarked that while the government might shield the accused from the theft in Ram’s court, no one can save them from the wrath of Lord Ram Himself.
The Trust makes a major decision.
During a meeting of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust on Monday, the resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra were accepted, while special invitee member Gopal Rao was removed from his position in the Trust. Retired IPS officer Krishna Mohan has been appointed as the new General Secretary; he will now take over the responsibilities previously handled by Champat Rai and Anil Mishra.
Additionally, a three-member committee has been constituted to address the need for appointing a CEO to oversee the temple’s management. The group includes retired Judge Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi, and Suresh Hawade. The next meeting of the Ram Mandir Trust is likely to be held on July 22.
When the theft case came to light
It is worth noting that the case regarding the theft of Ram Mandir donations came to light in the first week of June. SP President Akhilesh Yadav raised the issue without delay. Initially, the temple management and the BJP denied the allegations. However, the matter intensified after cash and jewellery were recovered from the premises of employees deployed at the Ram Mandir. This led to serious allegations being levelled against the temple management as well.
