Kathmandu— Congress National President and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi address the House regarding the alleged theft of assets from the Ram Mandir. Kharge asserted that the opposition is raising the issue on behalf of a public distressed by reports of missing jewellery, gold, and other valuables from the temple.

Demands for Accountability

Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the Prime Minister's direct involvement in the establishment and management of the temple's affairs. He noted that the Prime Minister inaugurated the temple, started the worship, and selected the members of the trust responsible for its caretaking.

"That is precisely why we want that, since he orchestrated everything, to come to the House and provide a reply," Kharge said. He emphasized that the Congress party was the first to raise the issue of the theft of assets inside the temple.

Scope of the Alleged Theft

The controversy involves allegations of financial embezzlement and the disappearance of significant temple assets. Kharge cited the alleged theft of jewellery, silver, gold, money, gold bricks, and even a gold Ramcharitmanas book.

Kharge stated that the allegations have deeply affected the religious sentiments of those with faith in the Ram Temple and Lord Ram, noting that the public expects opposition parties to demand answers regarding the missing items.

Ongoing Investigation and Protests

The investigation into the alleged embezzlement is currently being handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Inspector General of Police Kiran S. The Uttar Pradesh government recently informed the Supreme Court that this fresh SIT was constituted in compliance with previous court directions.

To date, eight individuals have been arrested as investigators work to trace the complete money trail to identify further assets and beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MPs have staged protests in Parliament premises, displaying posters with slogans such as "Chanda chor, gaddi chhod" (Donation thieves, step down).

Investigators are continuing to trace the money trail to identify additional beneficiaries and assets involved in the alleged embezzlement.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.