MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday alleged that a 4 kg silver brick donated by the party for the Ram mandir construction in Ayodhya had gone missing. Raut said Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray had also donated Rs 12 crore to the temple, but years later there was no report or any update about the silver brick or the donation. Raut said it was time for a full investigation and accountability.“Serious questions over the missing 4 kg silver brick donated by Shiv Sena for the Ram Mandir construction in Ayodhya. Uddhav Thackeray ji had generously contributed ₹1 crore + this sacred silver brick in the presence of thousands of Shiv Sainiks & saints. Yet, years later, no receipt or update from the Trust. Where has it gone? Time for full investigation & accountability!” Raut said in a post on X.Raut recently said Uddhav will visit the Ram mandir in Ayodhya amid a controversy over alleged irregularities in donations made at the temple. Raut said he had discussed the issue with Uddhav.“There are reports that Rs 25 crore has been embezzled from the donation box of Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya is shocking. One case of embezzlement of Rs 5 crore has come to light. Which Hindutva activist could dare to touch the donation box of the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya. Uddhav Thackeray is very disturbed. We discussed this, and it feels like Lord Ram is calling us. We will soon go to Ayodhya and raise this issue there,” Raut had said.Also read: Repeated thefts, CCTV clips, and family ties: Inside Ram Temple donation ’embezzlement’ probeRaut’s remarks had come after Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav demanded judicial intervention following reports alleging crores of rupees from donations made to the Ram temple in Ayodhya had gone missing. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has rejected the allegations.“It is shocking. How can anyone dare touch money offered at the temple? What kind of people can do this?” Sena (UBT) had contributed Rs 1 crore towards the construction of the temple. Questions are now being raised about the handling of donations. Why are questions being raised over CCTV footage? Why is Trust chairman Nripendra Mishra silent?” Raut had said.
