₹200 crore was stolen from Ram Mandir, but only ₹80 lakh has been recovered; Where did rest of ‘chanda-chori’ money go? Arvind Kejriwal
Punjab E News: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal questioned the direction of the investigation and the police action in the ‘chanda-chori’ (theft of offerings) from the Shri Ram Mandir, pointing out that the big names behind the ‘chanda-chori’ are being protected. He revealed that despite allegations of a ₹200 crore theft, only ₹80 lakh had been recovered, while lower-rank individuals had been arrested instead of those allegedly responsible for the larger conspiracy. The AAP Chief demanded a thorough investigation into the missing money, where it went, and who ultimately received it.
During a press conference in Amritsar, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, “In the Ram Mandir ‘chanda-chori’ (theft of offerings) case, not all the accused have been arrested. Instead, only small-time individuals have been caught. The main and big names, against whom the most serious allegations have been made, are still roaming freely. They have picked up someone who counted the cash or a minor watchman. The eight people who have been arrested all work at low levels.”
He further said, “The police have not even sought the custody remand of those arrested, nor have they questioned them. They should have asked them how much they stole, who they handed the money over to, and where it was hidden. But the police conducted no interrogation, did not seek their remand, and sent them straight to judicial custody. This clearly suggests that they will be granted bail within the next few days.”
The AAP Supremo added, “This entire exercise is merely an attempt to conceal, whitewash and cover up the case. It appears that the ‘chanda-chori’ took place on a very large scale. One of the allegations is that ₹200 crore in cash was stolen, yet only ₹80 lakh has been recovered from these eight individuals. Where has the remaining money gone? I have repeatedly said that there must be a thorough investigation into where the money from ‘chanda-chori’ went.”
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “What the Maharashtra Government is doing is being politicised by the BJP. Religious institutions should never be politicised. Take the example of the Maa Kali Devi Temple in Patiala. Its trust functions under the Deputy Commissioner, but the government has included only local people who have deep faith in the religion. Similarly, the Ram Tirath mandir also has a trust under the Deputy Commissioner, but it includes only Baba Pargat Nath Ji and other respected members of the Valmiki community. Religious institutions should be managed only by religious, learned and knowledgeable people. Politics and religion should always remain separate.”
