Ram Temple donation theft case: VHP backs UP SIT probe extension, terms CBI demand political stunt

VHP International President Alok Kumar has supported the 15-day extension granted to the UP SIT probing the alleged ₹7.5-crore Ram Temple donation embezzlement, stating that police are investigating transparently and a CBI probe is unwarranted

New Delhi: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) President, Alok Kumar, on Wednesday expressed confidence in the ongoing police investigation into the alleged irregularities linked to Ram Temple donations, saying there is nothing inappropriate about granting the Special Investigation Team (SIT) an additional 15 days to complete its probe.

Speaking to IANS, Kumar said that if investigators have sought more time to ensure the probe is conducted thoroughly and reaches a logical conclusion, the request should not be viewed negatively. He said the investigation is progressing and should be allowed to continue without unnecessary interference.

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Rejecting demands from some quarters for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) enquiry, Kumar said the investigation is already being conducted by the police and, according to the information available, is being carried out efficiently and impartially. He urged people to have faith in the country’s established investigative mechanisms instead of questioning their credibility.

“Police are conducting the investigation. We have heard that it is being done efficiently and thoroughly. So, we should have faith in the normal channels of investigation. Some people say the BJP government will not allow a fair probe, so it should be handed over to the CBI. But the Central government is also led by the BJP. I believe we should not distrust our agencies. The investigation is being watched by the media and the entire Hindu society. If anything goes wrong, it will be brought to notice,” Kumar told IANS.

Commenting on the extension granted to the SIT in the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case, Kumar said the team’s responsibility extends beyond merely investigating the crime.

“It’s not just about investigating the crime. Suggesting remedies to ensure this does not happen in the future is also part of the work. If they have asked for time to ensure this work is done well and thoroughly, and they have only asked for 15 days, I think there is nothing inappropriate about it,” he said.

Addressing criticism that the investigation may not be impartial because the Uttar Pradesh government is led by the BJP, Kumar argued that the same Opposition parties questioning the state police have also repeatedly questioned the CBI.

He said replacing one investigative agency with another would not resolve politically motivated allegations and stressed that public confidence in investigative institutions should not be undermined.

Kumar further said that the ongoing probe is under close public scrutiny, with both the media and the wider Hindu community monitoring developments. If any wrongdoing or lapses occur during the investigation, he said, they would inevitably come to light. Therefore, he maintained that there is no justification for changing the investigating agency at this stage.

Responding to a question on whether Gopal Rao continues to serve as the manager of the Ram Temple or has been removed from the post, Kumar said he was not aware whether Rao had any formal appointment.

“I am not even aware if he had any formal appointment. But those whose names are coming up will themselves consider whether they should continue in their positions. When it was said that Champat ji remaining as General Secretary could affect the investigation, that witnesses could be pressured or evidence tampered with, he resigned within two days of the FIR being filed. This should be appreciated,” Kumar said.

He also dismissed suggestions that an all-party committee should be constituted to investigate the matter, saying such a proposal would effectively mean handing over the probe to political leaders.

Referring to the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Kumar said political parties were engaged in competitive rhetoric, making increasingly serious allegations against one another for electoral gains rather than addressing the issue objectively.

Reacting to reports that details of the police investigation were being leaked to the media, Kumar questioned the authenticity of such claims.

“Someone is fabricating and reporting these leaks. It’s a 24-hour news cycle; what else can they do? If there is news, they report it. If there is no news, they imagine it. How much of what is being leaked is true and how much is political, I do not know,” he said.