The Congress party on Monday claimed that the State Bank of India (SBI) had recommended the removal of officials posted at the donation-counting centre of the Ram temple in Ayodhya three months ago. The party questioned who had protected these officials before the alleged embezzlement came to light.
Congress Alleges SBI Flagged Concerns About Ram Temple Donation Staff
Addressing reporters in Raipur, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Media and Publicity Department chairman Pawan Khera alleged that the reported donation embezzlement at the Ram temple was only the beginning. According to ANI, Khera said SBI had flagged concerns over officials deployed at the temple's donation-counting centre months ago.
"Ayodhya ki loot jhanki hai, Kashi-Mathura abhi baaki hai (the alleged loot in Ayodhya was only a glimpse; Kashi and Mathura are yet to come)," Khera said, as reported by NDTV.
Who Protected the Staff Before Theft Came to Light?
The Congress leader questioned the inaction despite SBI's recommendation. He asked who had protected the staff before the alleged embezzlement was uncovered. So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the donation theft at the Ram temple, according to Times Now.
The role of two bank employees has also emerged in the donation theft probe, sources told NDTV.
Our Take: Questions That Need Answers
To put it plainly, the Congress party has raised a legitimate question. If SBI indeed flagged concerns three months ago and recommended the removal of staff, why was no action taken until the alleged theft was discovered? This is not just about one temple or one bank — it is about accountability. In our view, the public deserves a clear explanation from both the temple trust and the bank about what happened between the SBI recommendation and the arrests. Without that, trust in the system takes a hit.
