The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has formally requested the Ayodhya Police to investigate allegations of a Rs 20,000 crore scam involving donations to the Ram Temple. VHP International President Alok Kumar sent a letter to the Ayodhya Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), urging investigators to record statements from several prominent Opposition leaders who have publicly made these claims.
VHP Seeks Evidence from Opposition Leaders
In his communication, Alok Kumar specifically named Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party national general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Kumar emphasized the need for investigators to "record their statements, seek the factual basis, sources, and supporting documents for their allegations."
Ram Gopal Yadav had reportedly alleged a scam of nearly Rs 20,000 crore, claiming that significant donations, including 50 kg each of gold and silver, diamond necklaces, and crores in cash from devotees worldwide, were missing from official records. Yadav also suggested that the purported theft involved not just junior employees but "big names" and influential individuals.
Arvind Kejriwal's public statements, cited by the VHP, alleged the theft of Lord Ram's necklace, ceremonial footwear, diamonds, ornaments, silver bricks, silver lamps, and large amounts of cash. Kejriwal claimed that nearly ₹200 crore in cash alone was stolen, with several boxes of diamonds and jewellery also missing. He had questioned the silence of the Uttar Pradesh Police, Enforcement Directorate, and CBI, suggesting an impartial investigation could bring down the government.
Sanjay Singh had also publicly claimed that over Rs 200 crore had been stolen, implicating more than 50 employees. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's statements questioned whether only junior employees could have switched off CCTV cameras and misappropriated thousands of crores in donations, or if influential people were involved.
Leaders "Acquainted With Facts", Says VHP
Alok Kumar argued that since these leaders made specific allegations involving substantial figures, they appear to possess knowledge relevant to the ongoing investigation. "The allegations made by the above-named and other persons lead one to believe that they are acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case," the letter stated.
The VHP chief urged investigators to compel their attendance under legal provisions or record their statements to obtain the factual basis, sources of information, and any supporting documents in their possession.
Action for Credible Proof or False Claims
Kumar affirmed that if the Opposition leaders provide credible material supporting their allegations, it would significantly aid the investigating agency in uncovering the truth. "Should any of the aforesaid persons furnish credible material in support of their allegations, the same would undoubtedly assist the Investigating Agency in discovering the truth," he wrote.
However, the VHP also stressed that if the allegations are found to be baseless or made without factual support, this should be noted as part of the investigation. Kumar warned that "knowingly false or reckless allegations" made without support could lead to legal action, asserting that nobody should be allowed to make wild claims that promote hatred and ill will without consequence.