Mumbai-Based VSSS Demands Receipt For 200 Kg Silver Donated To Ram Temple Trust
The Mumbai-headquartered Vishwa Sindhi Seva Sangam (VSSS) has sent a formal letter to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust demanding accountability and an official receipt for 200 kg of silver bricks donated to the temple trust. The demand, sent on Friday, follows a public notice issued by the global Sindhi organisation two days prior, amid growing concerns over financial transparency in the Ram Mandir administration.
The donation, consisting of 200 silver bricks weighing one kilogram each, was handed over to the temple trust on January 26, 2021. According to the VSSS, approximately 150 global donors contributed to the donation, which was worth ₹1.5 crore at the time.
Raju Manwani, the 69-year-old Mumbai-based realtor and International Chairman of VSSS, stated that the letter also seeks information on how the silver has been utilised in the temple's construction, or what the future plans are for the donation if it remains unused.
Manwani explained that the donation was originally handed over during a ceremony attended by over 100 people. At the time, the VSSS requested a receipt but was told by the trust's general secretary, Champat Rai, that it would be issued once an expert's testing report was completed. Despite subsequent enquiries, the organisation never received the receipt.
The issue was revived following recent reports of financial misappropriation and an investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government. On Friday, the SIT arrested eight individuals in connection with a financial scam case related to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, and Champat Rai stepped down from his position as general secretary.
According to Manwani, the lack of a receipt has caused anger and discontent among the 150 global donors who contributed to the ₹1.5 crore fund. He warned that controversies surrounding financial misappropriation could discourage people from making future donations.
While the VSSS awaits the completion of the SIT investigation, Manwani expressed faith that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would ensure justice in the matter.
