Jairam Ramesh Questions Delay in Ayodhya Temple Theft Chargesheet, Seeks Action Against 'Big Fish'

New Delhi, Sep 22 : Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday questioned the delay in filing a chargesheet in the alleged theft of offerings at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, alleging that nearly three months after the investigation began, the accused were yet to face prosecution.

In a statement posted on X under the heading "Chanda Chori, Aastha Dhokha" (Donation Theft, Betrayal of Faith), Mr Ramesh said only three days remained before three months of the investigation were completed, but the chargesheet had not yet been filed.

He claimed that failure to file the chargesheet by September 25 could allow those he described as "minor players" in the case to seek bail.

Calling the alleged theft of temple offerings a serious matter involving an institution of religious faith, Mr Ramesh questioned the credibility of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case. He said public confidence in the investigation would be affected if there was a perception that influential individuals were being protected.

Mr Ramesh also claimed that the investigation had identified 105 instances of alleged theft captured on CCTV, compared with 70 instances cited earlier. He alleged that the delay in filing the chargesheet could be aimed at diverting attention from those he described as the "big fish" and their alleged protectors.

The Congress leader questioned who was protecting the alleged masterminds behind what he described as systematic theft of offerings and asked why those allegedly responsible had not faced stringent questioning or action.

He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the matter and raised questions about alleged assistance provided to some of those accused in the case.

Mr Ramesh further questioned why there was resistance to an investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court and why the temple trust had not been dissolved. He alleged that the SIT probe was being used by BJP-led governments to protect individuals accused in the case who, he claimed, had links with the BJP and RSS.

The Congress leader said accountability should extend beyond those directly accused to officials responsible for supervising the system under which the alleged irregularities took place.

The Congress has demanded a forensic audit of the entire system, strict action against anyone found responsible and a transparent investigation into the alleged irregularities.

Mr Ramesh said the offerings had been made in the name of Lord Ram and argued that those who had claimed responsibility for overseeing the temple's management and the appointment of its managers would also have to accept accountability for any wrongdoing established through the investigation.

The allegations concern the handling and management of offerings at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Claims regarding the number of CCTV-recorded incidents, the alleged involvement or protection of other individuals, and the responsibility of officials remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.