GOA, JULY 4: The management and financial oversight of the Ayodhya Shri Ram Mandir Trust have come under severe scrutiny, with opposition leaders terming the ongoing official inquiry an attempt to mislead the public. Speaking at a press conference, Aam Aadmi Party Supremo Arvind Kejriwal affirmed that the Prime Minister holds direct accountability for the situation, having personally constituted the Trust and appointed its leadership. The opposition maintains that cosmetic measures, such as the arrest of minor employees and the establishment of a powerless Special Investigation Team, are being utilized to obscure massive irregularities in land procurement and construction contracts.
Detailed financial records and media reports indicate that properties initially valued at minimal amounts were repeatedly purchased by the Trust at heavily inflated prices, resulting in the diversion of massive public donations. Furthermore, serious questions have been raised regarding the security of the temple’s treasury, following the disappearance of 200 kilograms of silver bricks, precious ornaments, and substantial cash donations. Operational staff also raised concerns regarding construction tenders, alleging that a fixed forty percent commission was standard practice for securing project approvals.
The political leadership asserted that the spiritual sentiments of citizens across the country have been compromised by the lack of transparency from federal authorities.
“When Prabhu Shri Ram Mandir was built, Hindus in Goa donated generously and with complete devotion,” declared Arvind Kejriwal. “But now that reports of scam and ‘chanda-chori’ at the Shri Ram Mandir are emerging, Sanatan followers across Goa are deeply hurt.” He maintained that despite seventy distinct instances of theft being recorded on security cameras within a single month, crucial video evidence spanning eight months was systematically erased.
The legal validity of the current administrative response was heavily challenged during the briefing, with speakers emphasizing that the current framework bypasses necessary legal requirements.
“An SIT cannot legally be constituted without an FIR,” stated the Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor. He declared that a previous investigative body formed during the 2021 land disputes dissolved over time without taking action, a trajectory he predicts the current team will mirror through continuous procedural extensions.
The opposition concluded by pointing out that prominent public figures have expressed fear regarding the potential consequences of revealing the identities of the powerful individuals involved.
“A statement has come from BJP strongman Brij Bhushan Singh saying he will not speak because very powerful people are involved and speaking out could harm him as well,” affirmed Arvind Kejriwal. He maintained that the central authorities have consistently utilized the temple’s name for political leverage while failing to ensure the basic protection of its assets.
