Congress questions delay in framing charges in Ram Temple donation theft case

The Congress’s communication chief said CCTV footage had captured 105 instances of donation money being removed. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu Questioning the delay in framing charges against the eight accused in the alleged chanda chori (donation theft) at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Congress on Thursday (October 29, 2026) also asked why former temple Trust officials Champat Rai and Anil Mishra were witnesses and not accused in the case.Charges could not be framed for the third time, Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said in a post on social media platform X, while questioning the delay in providing the complete CCTV footage and audio recordings.“Whose secrets will be exposed if the full video footage and audio of the Ram Mandir come to light?” Mr. Ramesh said, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was protecting those responsible for the alleged misappropriation.The Congress’s communication chief said CCTV footage had captured 105 instances of donation money being removed. He also cited audit warnings issued in 2020, a video of the alleged theft that surfaced on June 4, and a First Information Report registered on June 25, 2026.The Congress demanded an independent and impartial investigation under the Supreme Court’s supervision, covering audit findings, CCTV footage, financial transactions, and the role of Trust officials. It also sought a comprehensive account of donations received in the name of Lord Ram.Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence, Mr. Ramesh asked why he was avoiding accountability despite taking credit for the temple’s construction. The Congress leader accused the government of shielding powerful people involved in the scam. Published - October 29, 2026 10:10 pm IST