Ram Mandir Donation Case: Acharya Pramod Krishnam Calls For CBI Investigation

Former Congress leader and Peethadhishwar (Head Priest) of Kalki Dham, Acharya Pramod Krishnam, on Saturday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case, asserting that a high-level investigation is essential to preserve the faith and trust of crores of devotees.

Speaking to ANI, Krishnam said the matter concerns the faith and reverence of millions of people and should be investigated thoroughly.

“This is a matter concerning the faith, reverence, and trust of crores of people. To uphold that trust and preserve the faith, a CBI inquiry should be conducted into the scam, irregularities, and misappropriation that have occurred within the Ram temple. The people of the country have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Not only the crores of people in India but also followers of Sanatan Dharma across the globe place their full trust in him, and they currently feel cheated,” Krishnam told ANI.

“We need to know who is involved, who is complicit, who appointed these individuals, and who witnessed the theft taking place. I believe this matter should be investigated by a robust, high-level agency so that public trust can be maintained,” he added.

Family Reacts to Allegations

In Ayodhya, Rajendra Mishra, the grandfather of the accused Anukalp Mishra, said he did not know his grandson’s work at the Ram Mandir.

“He is still studying. I did not know his work in the Ram Mandir. I have no information,” Rajendra Mishra told ANI.

Reacting to the controversy, BJP spokesperson Prakash Reddy, however, defended the Uttar Pradesh government’s handling of the case and said strict action would be taken against those found guilty.

“The Government of Uttar Pradesh appointed an SIT (Special Investigation Team). It issued a 20-page report, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath clearly said that whoever is responsible will be identified and punished. People like Arvind Kejriwal, who never supported the construction of the temple in Ayodhya, are now shedding crocodile tears. Hereafter, no such incidents will take place in Uttar Pradesh. I hope the people of Uttar Pradesh will understand the stand of the Uttar Pradesh government,” Reddy said.

FIR and SIT Investigation

The remarks came after Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and member trustee Anil Mishra resigned. According to sources, they took moral responsibility in connection with the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case.

Later, police registered an FIR on June 25. The case relates to the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

According to officials, the Uttar Pradesh government directed police to register the case. Consequently, police invoked multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61 and 3(5).

Those named in the FIR are Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Tinnu Yadav, Manish Yadav and others.

The FIR, however, follows allegations by former SP MLA from Ayodhya, Pawan Pandey. He claimed that someone misappropriated between ₹7 crore and ₹7.5 crore in donations from the Ram Mandir.

Following the allegations, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 14. The SIT is investigating the alleged scam involving offerings made at the Ram Mandir. The government constituted the team after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Trust requested an investigation.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak reiterated that the government has taken the matter seriously.

“The government has taken the entire matter seriously. An FIR has been registered. Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty,” Brajesh Pathak further said.

Also Read: Ram Mandir Donation Case: Police Recover Cash, Jewellery During Searches