Congress questions delay in charges in Ram Temple donation theft case

The Congress’ communications chief said CCTV footage captured 105 cases of money being removed from donations. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

The Congress on Thursday (Oct 29, 2026) questioned the delay in framing charges against the eight accused in the alleged chanda chori (gift theft) at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, why they were witnesses in the case and not accused.

It was not possible to press charges for the third time, Congress General Secretary (Communication) Jairam Ramesh said in a post on social media platform X, questioning the delay in providing the complete CCTV footage and audio recordings.

“Whose secrets will be revealed if the entire Ram Mandir video and audio comes to light?” Mr. Ramesh claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was protecting those responsible for the alleged embezzlement.

The Congress’ communications chief said CCTV footage captured 105 cases of money being removed from donations. He also cited audit warnings issued in 2020, a video of the alleged theft that surfaced on June 4, and the first information report registered on June 25, 2026.

Congress demanded an independent and impartial probe under the supervision of the Supreme Court, which would include audit findings, CCTV footage, financial transactions and the role of Trust officials. It also sought a comprehensive overview of donations received in the name of Lord Ram.

Mr. Ramesh targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence and asked why he was shirking responsibility despite taking credit for the construction of the temple. The Congress leader accused the government of protecting powerful people involved in the scam.

Published – 29 Oct 2026 22:10 IST