"Lord Ram has been robbed": CPI(M) MP John Brittas seeks SC-monitored probe into Ram Mandir donation row

Reacting to RSS Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar's statement on the issue, Brittas said that an independent inquiry under the supervision of the Supreme Court was needed.

"What is the point of expressing concern? It's the RSS which is controlling this government, and nobody knows who is controlling this trust... If the RSS is sincere, they should ask the government of India to order an inquiry under the supervision of the Supreme Court because crores of Ram devotees have been cheated," the CPI(M) MP said.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear pleas seeking a CBI probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.

Speaking on the matter, Brittas alleged serious irregularities in the donation and construction process and called for a comprehensive investigation.

"Many layers of loot have happened in this case. I was shocked when a person who presided over the donation vertical was complimented and appreciated when he was being relieved... Even those engineers who are part of the construction of the Ram Temple said that there was a commission of 40%. That means the actual cost of the building is not what is being stated by Nripendra Misra... Instead of going in a piecemeal way just to cover up and camouflage everything, there should be an in-depth, comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the loot. Lord Ram has been robbed," he said.

The remarks came after Ambekar said the RSS expected the ongoing police and Special Investigation Team (SIT) action into the alleged donation irregularities to reach a "decisive turn".

Speaking at the conclusion of the annual Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak of RSS in Belagavi, Karnataka, he emphasised the importance of preventing any future incidents that might hurt the "reverence and the deep faith" of devotees.

"The annual Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak of RSS concluded today in Belagavi, Karnataka. In the meeting, everyone expressed grief over the incident of irregularities in the counting of the donation box offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir and expressed confidence that the ongoing SIT and police action initiated at the request of Teerth Kshetra Nyas will reach a decisive turn. It was expected of Teerth Kshetra Nyas to ensure that no such incident happens in future which could hurt the reverence and the deep faith of all Ram bhaktas towards the Ram Mandir," he said.

Meanwhile, according to the preliminary findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), CCTV footage reviewed between April 27 and June 5 captured around 70 suspicious incidents in which counting staff allegedly concealed cash bundles in their clothes, pockets, shoes and other personal belongings. (ANI)