The inquiry into the Ram Mandir has revealed concerns not only about alleged misappropriation of donation funds but also regarding the fate of substantial silver donations. Reports indicate that approximately 200 kilograms of silver bars and bricks donated to the temple have not been accounted for. Among the contributions is a 4-kilogram silver brick presented by Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, during the temple’s construction. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has investigated these claims and has reportedly dismissed the possibility of theft occurring.
The investigation has sought to determine what has transpired with the silver bricks, raising questions about whether any of the donated materials have gone missing. The SIT’s preliminary assessment has revealed an inability to establish a direct record of where these silver items are stored and what may have happened to them since their donation.
Details from the SIT Inquiry
As the probe advanced, the SIT discovered that a significant number of donated silver bricks were reportedly melted down rather than utilised for the temple. Official records indicate that eight silver bricks were notably listed under serial number 96 for melting. Furthermore, another set of bricks was allocated to the Security Printing and Minting Corporation, an entity linked to the Finance Ministry responsible for coin production. The SIT has also encountered documentation bearing signatures from officials associated with both the trust managing the temple and the corporation.
The discourse surrounding the silver’s whereabouts intensified following remarks from Anurag Rastogi, president of the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), who stated that 60 kilograms of silver were donated with contributions from jewellers nationwide. Rastogi and his wife also donated a 3-kilogram silver lamp. He emphasised that their contributions stemmed from faith and were not intended for publicity. However, Rastogi has expressed concern about not being able to access records or ascertain the status of the donated silver items, which he claims were not observed either during the construction or during the foundation ceremony.
This matter has further escalated as Sanjay Raut, a Member of Parliament from Shiv Sena (UBT), questioned the missing 4-kilogram silver brick contributed for temple construction. Raut alleged that substantial donations were made, including Rs 1 crore by Uddhav Thackeray, with the presence of numerous party members and spiritual leaders. He has since called for a thorough investigation into the disappearance of these assets.
