Gurugram, June 21: Amid allegations of irregularities and theft concerning donations for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, senior leader of the Vishva Hindu Parishad, Surendra Jain, has shared his perspective. He stated that due to the seriousness of the allegations, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has requested a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct an inquiry. Jain expressed hope that within 15 days, the investigation report will clarify the situation.
In an interview on Saturday, Jain noted that since the inception of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in 1984, various accusations have emerged. These allegations have aimed to undermine the movement, question the existence of Lord Ram, and challenge the credibility of those involved.
Jain emphasized that since the movement began, there have been attempts to halt temple construction, tarnish its reputation, and question the dedication of its supporters. However, he asserted that these claims have often been proven false. This time, the initial accusations came from politically questionable figures. When similar claims began to surface from various sources, the organization took the matter seriously and called for an investigation.
He explained that given the gravity of the accusations, the Trust had requested the Uttar Pradesh government to form an SIT. Jain stated that only a fair investigation could address all concerns. He believed that if discussions around the allegations were increasing, an impartial inquiry was necessary to uncover the truth.
Despite the allegations regarding the temple donations, Jain assured that the faith of devotees remains intact. He highlighted the steady number of visitors to the temple, citing that on June 15, approximately 92,000 devotees visited, followed by 82,250 on June 16, 80,600 on June 17, and 83,300 on June 18. He noted that if people’s faith had wavered, a decline in visitor numbers would have been evident, but that has not been the case. Devotees trust that Lord Ram embodies righteousness, and those involved in the temple’s construction uphold similar values. Any shortcomings will be addressed, but the faith of the devotees has not been affected.
Rejecting calls for the reorganization of the Trust, Jain stated that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust comprises individuals who have dedicated their lives to the temple’s construction. He asserted that there are no serious allegations against the Trust members. They await the SIT report, and necessary actions will be taken based on its findings.
Jain referred to the claims regarding missing silver rods and other materials, mentioning that different organizations have been implicated. He claimed that some materials were reportedly given to another organization, the Ramalay Trust, at that time. Therefore, not only should the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust be investigated, but also other organizations and committees that existed during the movement.
He pointed out that the individual making the allegations later named several prominent saints and leaders of the movement. According to Jain, when such respected figures are questioned, it raises doubts about the intent behind the accusations. Nevertheless, he insisted that the SIT should investigate all these aspects.
Responding to the demand for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation, Jain stated that the organization is not afraid of any inquiry. He emphasized that they have nothing to hide and welcome scrutiny at any level. Currently, the SIT investigation with a 15-day deadline seems the most appropriate arrangement, as the investigating officers are familiar with local conditions and facts. After the SIT report is released, if there is a need for further FIRs, additional investigations, or other legal actions, those will also be considered.
Jain remarked that those making serious allegations should have pursued legal processes to support their claims. He stated that if anyone has solid evidence, they should file an FIR or approach the court. Despite this, those accused have called for a fair investigation and requested the formation of an SIT. This clearly indicates that they are not backing away from scrutiny. He reiterated that after the SIT report, if necessary, they would welcome any judicial or other investigations.
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