Bidar/Karnataka: A complaint alleging large-scale misappropriation of funds collected in Karnataka for the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple has been submitted to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Uttar Pradesh.
The complaint was filed by Deepak, a resident of Aurad taluk in Bidar district, accusing Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Prabhu Chouhan and RSS leader Gopal of collecting substantial donations from contractors in the name of the temple but failing to transfer the money to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust. Instead, the complaint alleges the funds were diverted into real estate investments.
According to the complaint, an initial Rs 5 lakh was collected without issuing receipts before the collection expanded to crores of rupees. Deepak claimed he possesses documentary evidence supporting the allegations and is prepared to present it before investigators.
The SIT, headed by Vijay Vishwas Pant, is examining the complaint. Neither Prabhu Chouhan nor the RSS leader has issued an official response. The investigation team said further action will depend on verification of the allegations and supporting evidence.
Separately, the RSS has intensified its internal monitoring following allegations of theft involving valuables and donations worth crores of rupees offered at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Acting on instructions from RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, eastern Uttar Pradesh pracharak Anilji is overseeing an inquiry from Ayodhya. A report based on inputs from prominent seers will be submitted to Bhagwat. Senior RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi has already submitted a preliminary report.
Meanwhile, investigators raided the homes of eight arrested suspects, recovering about Rs 79 lakh from seven individuals. Police are probing a wider conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act.