Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday visited Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir and Hanumangarhi temple amid the ongoing controversy over alleged embezzlement of donations, calling the FIR in the case an “eyewash” and a “sham”.
Speaking after offering prayers, Kejriwal alleged that the investigation was targeting only lower-level employees while shielding those higher up in the system. He said it was “impossible” for such irregularities to continue for a long time without the involvement of senior officials.
The former Delhi Chief Minister, who was accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and party workers, said he prayed for strict punishment for those responsible for the alleged wrongdoing. He termed the incident a “maha paap” and said justice should be delivered without bias.
Kejriwal further claimed that eight junior employees had already been arrested in the case, while questioning why higher authorities were not being investigated. He alleged that the real culprits were being protected.
The remarks come amid a widening political row over allegations of financial irregularities in donations received at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The controversy surfaced earlier this month after claims of embezzlement triggered an inquiry, leading to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the Uttar Pradesh government.
Following the SIT’s preliminary report, an FIR was registered on June 25 and eight people were arrested in connection with the case. Authorities have charged the accused under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including criminal breach of trust, cheating, and conspiracy.
While the opposition has questioned the fairness of the probe, BJP leaders have defended the investigation, stating that the action was initiated after a request from the temple trust itself and is being conducted transparently under official supervision.
