Hanuman Garhi Temple priest Mahant Raju Das on Friday criticized former Uttar Pradesh minister Swami Prasad Maurya over his controversial remarks on the issue of “theft” of donations from the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying action should be taken against him.
His statements came as eight people linked to the temple management were arrested, while approximately $80,000 were recovered from their homes while the case was investigated.
Meanwhile, Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra, Champat Rai’s general secretary and senior trust member Anil Mishra, resigned on Friday, according to people aware of the developments.
What did Swami Prasad Maurya say?
Speaking about the alleged theft of donations, Maurya wondered how Lord Ram could protect others if he could not protect his own temple.
“The thieves have looted millions of rupees. There has been theft in the temple and the shrine. They have also stolen silver and gold. But if Lord Ram cannot punish these thieves, how can he protect you? If he cannot protect his temple, how can he protect you?” Hindustan newspaper quoted him as saying in a report.
His statements sparked a political row, and Das was among those who targeted him.
The priest demands action against Maurya
Das said everyone involved in the alleged theft would eventually be arrested and appealed to people not to politicize the issue.
He added that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the truth will emerge through an impartial investigation.
“Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that we all have to have some patience and everything will be clear… Eight people have been arrested and I feel that even the others involved in this will all be arrested,” he told news agency ANI.
Targeting Maurya for his remarks, Das challenged him to make similar comments about other religions.
“It is unfortunate that Sanatana and Hindutva are being targeted in the name of Ram temple… If Swami Prasad Maurya has the courage, he should comment on Islam or any other religion. He is commenting on Sanatana because we are Hindus and we are not doing anything. Action should be taken against him,” he said.
The controversy erupted on June 7 after Samajwadi Party leader Tej Narayan “Pawan” Pandey claimed that the donations were worth between… $5 Crores $Rs 7.5 crore has been withdrawn from the temple offerings. On June 13, the Uttar Pradesh government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) at the request of the Temple Trust.
With input from agencies
