The Ram Mandir donation row has intensified after senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid demanded strict accountability over allegations of financial irregularities involving donations made by devotees at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Calling the issue a matter of faith and public trust, Khurshid urged the government to take exemplary action against anyone found guilty in the alleged misuse of temple donations.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Khurshid described the allegations as deeply disturbing and questioned how such an incident could occur at one of India’s most sacred religious sites. According to him, the matter goes beyond politics because it concerns the faith of millions of devotees who have contributed donations to the temple with complete trust.

The Ram Mandir donation row has become a major political and legal issue after allegations surfaced claiming that crores of rupees donated by devotees were allegedly misappropriated. While investigations are underway, the controversy has triggered fresh debates over transparency, accountability, and financial governance of religious institutions.

Salman Khurshid Backs Supreme Court Verdict

While speaking about the controversy, Salman Khurshid reiterated that he had always respected and supported the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute. He noted that the legal dispute had been settled through the apex court’s judgment, following which the Ram Temple was established in Ayodhya.

Khurshid said that once the temple had been built, Ram Mandir donation row made by devotees became a sacred trust dedicated to Lord Ram. Therefore, any allegation involving financial irregularities should be investigated thoroughly.

He stated that the government must demonstrate its commitment to protecting the sanctity of the temple by ensuring strict action against anyone responsible if wrongdoing is established.

According to Khurshid, “Can there be a greater tragedy? The temple has been established after the Supreme Court’s decision, people are donating money, and that money belongs to Lord Ram. If the government has faith in Lord Ram, it should make an example of those responsible.”

His remarks have added a political dimension to the Ram Mandir donation row, which is already under legal scrutiny.

Allegations of Missing Donations

The controversy began after former Samajwadi Party MLA from Ayodhya, Pawan Pandey, alleged that donations worth approximately ₹7 crore to ₹7.5 crore had been misappropriated from the Ram Mandir donation row.

The allegations sparked widespread public attention and prompted demands for an impartial investigation into the financial management of donations received by the temple trust.

Although no wrongdoing has been officially established, the seriousness of the allegations has led both legal authorities and political leaders to seek greater transparency.

The Ram Mandir donation row has therefore become one of the most closely watched issues involving religious trust management in recent months.

Uttar Pradesh Government Orders SIT Probe

Following the allegations, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 14 to investigate the alleged financial irregularities.

The SIT was formed after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Trust requested an inquiry into the matter.

The investigation is expected to examine donation records, accounting procedures, financial transactions, and other documents related to the handling of temple offerings.

Authorities have stated that the purpose of the investigation is to establish facts and determine whether any financial irregularities actually occurred.

The ongoing SIT investigation remains central to the Ram Mandir donation row, with many stakeholders awaiting its findings.

Petition Filed in Supreme Court

Adding another layer to the controversy, a fresh petition has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored investigation into the alleged financial irregularities involving the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

The petition seeks registration of an FIR and constitution of a Special Investigation Team under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to independently investigate allegations of Ram Mandir donation row missing funds, financial mismanagement, and administrative irregularities.

The petition has been filed by advocates Ajay Kumar Rai and Dinesh Kumar Yadav.

The petitioners argue that an independent investigation is necessary to ensure transparency and restore public confidence in the management of temple donations.

Petition Seeks Preservation of Evidence

The petition also requests directions for preserving all physical, financial, and digital records associated with temple donations.

These include:

Donation registers
Audit reports
CCTV footage
Bank transaction records
Financial statements
Electronic data
Accounting records

The petition further seeks orders preventing destruction, alteration, transfer, or tampering of any evidence related to the alleged financial irregularities.

According to the petition, preserving evidence during the initial stages of the investigation is essential to ensure a fair inquiry.

Concerns Over Scope of SIT Investigation

The petitioners have also questioned the scope of the ongoing SIT investigation.

According to the petition, it remains unclear whether the state-appointed SIT possesses adequate powers to conduct a comprehensive criminal investigation involving financial crimes.

The petition argues that delays in registering criminal proceedings may result in loss or tampering of evidence.

For this reason, the petition requests that the Supreme Court supervise an independent investigation capable of examining every aspect of the alleged financial irregularities.

The legal developments have further intensified the Ram Mandir donation row, bringing the matter before the country’s highest judicial authority.

Earlier Letter Petition Raised Similar Concerns

Before the latest petition, Ram Mandir donation row an advocate had also written to the Supreme Court through a letter petition raising concerns over the alleged disappearance and mismanagement of donations made by devotees at the Ram Mandir.

The communication requested judicial intervention to ensure accountability and safeguard public trust associated with temple donations.

These repeated legal interventions indicate growing demands for transparency in the administration of one of India’s most significant religious institutions.

Public Trust at the Centre of the Debate

The controversy Ram Mandir donation row extends beyond financial allegations because it concerns donations made by millions of devotees based on religious faith.

Political leaders across parties have stressed that maintaining transparency in managing such donations is essential to preserve public confidence.

Salman Khurshid’s remarks also reflected this concern, emphasizing that accountability is necessary irrespective of political affiliations.

At present, the allegations remain under investigation, and no court has established any criminal liability against the trust or any individual connected with the case.

The Ram Mandir donation row continues to attract national attention as political leaders, legal experts, and devotees await the outcome of multiple investigations. Salman Khurshid has called for exemplary action if allegations are proven, while the Uttar Pradesh government’s SIT probe and the petition before the Supreme Court are expected to determine the next course of action.

Until official investigations conclude, the allegations remain unproven. However, the case has once again highlighted the importance of transparency, financial accountability, and institutional integrity in managing donations made to religious organizations by millions of faithful devotees.