Probe into Alleged Ram Mandir Financial Irregularities Should Be Led by a Supreme Court Judge: Vinay Kumar Sorake
Udupi: Former Karnataka Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake has demanded that the alleged financial irregularities related to the construction of the Ram Mandir be investigated under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge to bring the truth before the public.
Addressing reporters in Udupi, Sorake alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had used the name of Lord Ram to win elections. He claimed that the party distributed bricks to households, encouraged people to perform religious rituals, and sought votes by asking people to take pledges in the name of Lord Ram.
He further alleged that there has been no transparent accounting of the funds collected over several decades for the construction of the Ram Mandir. He also claimed that bricks collected in the name of Lord Ram were later discarded into drains.
Sorake alleged that irregularities had occurred in real estate transactions related to the construction of the Ram Mandir and held members of the temple trust responsible for the alleged lapses. He further claimed that the son-in-law of a trustee from Karnataka had been given an opportunity in the temple construction project.
He also alleged that gold donated by devotees to the Ram Mandir had been melted in Karnataka. Additionally, he claimed that the Ram Mandir Trust had been kept outside the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act and that CCTV cameras had been removed from the temple premises.
Referring to media reports, Sorake said certain portions of the Ram Mandir were reportedly showing signs of structural deterioration. He insisted that all the allegations should be thoroughly investigated under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge and that those found guilty should face stringent legal action.
He further alleged that individuals who had resigned from the trust had close links with the Prime Minister. He said that constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) should not be used to divert the course of the investigation and stressed that a fair and impartial probe should be conducted without hurting the religious sentiments of devotees.
Sorake also remarked that while the Prime Minister discusses various issues during the “Mann Ki Baat” programme, he has not addressed the serious allegations relating to the Ram Mandir. He urged that the truth behind the allegations be brought to light and said justice must be done to uphold the sanctity and dignity of Lord Ram.
District Congress Publicity Committee President Harish Kini and Block Congress President Y. Sukumar were also present at the press conference.
