Rahul, Kharge write to PM; seek probe into theft of donations at Ayodhya Ram temple

AICC President and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi interact. File image: AICC/ANI Photo Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi have sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct “an independent and comprehensive investigation of the financial affairs” of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Also read | Faith and its fallout The letter comes a day ahead of the commencement of the Monsoon session of the Parliament.Our joint letter to PM Modi demanding an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard- earned money with faith, devotion and trust are feeling betrayed by the… pic.twitter.com/FxrQA0YDk7— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 19, 2026Addressing the Prime Minister, the Congress leaders said that Mr. Modi “announced the formation of the Trust in Parliament on directions of Supreme Court of India, but its members have been solely appointed by your government. It is public knowledge that the members of the Trust are affiliated with the RSS, VHP and its affiliates. Its disgraced former General Secretary was also your close associate.”“Your silence now in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to ensure accountability and restitution,” they said in the letter dated Saturday (July 18, 2026).“We urge you to immediately order an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Trust, including the handling of all offerings including cash, gold, silver. The findings and the Trust’s accounts should be made public so that every devotee knows how their offerings have been utilised,” they added.The alleged theft of donations offered at the Ram temple surfaced in the first week of June and has so far led to the arrest of eight people and the resignation of two senior functionaries from the Trust.On June 25, police registered an FIR in the case on a complaint by the Trust and arrested eight men.With inputs from PTI Published - July 19, 2026 11:04 am IST