Uttar Pradesh leaders deny alleged missing Ram Temple funds

A political dispute has erupted in Uttar Pradesh over allegations of missing donation funds at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, with the temple trust denying any financial irregularities and opposition leaders demanding an independent judicial probe. The controversy began on Sunday, June 7, when Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav alleged that crores of rupees from offerings made at the temple were unaccounted for, describing the situation as "extremely sensitive" and "shameful."

Yadav called for the courts to take suo motu cognizance of the matter, citing the profound faith of devotees worldwide. He criticized what he called the suspicious silence of both the temple trust and the government, demanding that all trust members provide a collective explanation and that CCTV footage be examined to verify donation figures.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the temple's administration and finances, responded by stating that routine internal audits are currently underway and have not yet revealed any discrepancies. Trust General Secretary Champat Rai said the audit process involves representatives from the trust and the State Bank of India and lasts for several...