Shimla, Jul 11 (PTI) The Himachal Congress on Saturday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and demanded the Centre order an independent judicial inquiry into the matter under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
The Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) also demanded immediate registration of FIR against former general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Champat Rai, and former trustee Anil Mishra, saying they should be arrested in connection with the ‘donation theft’.
A HPCC spokesperson said the resignations of Rai and Mishra “indicates that the matter is far more serious than an administrative lapse, and points to a major scandal”.
He said the Trust’s treasurer Govind Dev Girl has issued public statements claiming ignorance, despite being the person primarily responsible for financial oversight, transparency and safeguarding the Trust’s assets.
“Media reports have revealed serious confusion and contradictions regarding the removal and status of Gopal Rao, a specially-invited member of the Trust,” he added.
“The prime minister must explain the role of his government and his office in the constitution of the Trust, its key appointments and its monitoring, and explain why he has remained silent despite such grave allegations,” the Congress spokesperson said.
He asserted that Lord Ram does not belong to any political party and is the embodiment of the faith of millions of Indians. Any attempt to loot the money collected in the name of Lord Ram, and then cover it up, is an insult to the religious conscience of the nation.
“Those who have plundered the faith of millions in the name of Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Ram must not be protected. They must be exposed and brought to justice,” the spokesperson said. PTI COR ARB ARB
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.