Ram Mandir construction in the spotlight
The ongoing discourse surrounding the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has intensified following serious allegations of financial irregularity. Beyond the recent reports of theft from donation boxes, engineer Dinanath Verma has raised concerns regarding the construction of the first camp office for the Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust located at Ram Kachhari Charo Dham Mandir.
Allegations of 40% commission
Engineer Dinanath Verma has accused Trust member Dr. Anil Mishra of demanding a 40 percent commission related to the construction work. These claims have stirred significant debate in the region, bringing the operations of the trust under renewed scrutiny.
Clarification from Mahant Shashikant Das
In response to the growing controversy, Mahant Shashikant Das, the head of Ram Kachhari Charo Dham Mandir, has formally distanced himself from the accusations. He clarified his involvement through the following points:
- He provided his newly constructed building to the Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust for a camp office at the request of then District Magistrate Anuj Jha and Trust General Secretary Champat Rai.
- The premises were provided to the trust completely free of charge, and he did not accept any rent or payment while the office was operational.
- He asserted that he has no information regarding the construction works carried out by the trust.
- Mahant Shashikant Das stated that he does not know Dinanath Verma and has never met him personally.
Status of the dispute
The camp office was later relocated to Ram Niwas, and the trust ceased usage of the Ram Kachhari Charo Dham Mandir premises. While Dinanath Verma continues to press questions regarding construction and alleged commission practices, Mahant Shashikant Das has explicitly maintained that his only role was the non-monetary provision of space for the initial camp office.
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