Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Friday raised fresh questions over the alleged disappearance of a 4-kg silver brick that, according to him, was donated by party chief Uddhav Thackeray during the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. His remarks come amid the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities involving donations made to the temple.
In a post on X, Raut claimed that the Shiv Sena had contributed not only ₹1 crore but also a 4-kg silver brick to the temple in the presence of thousands of party workers and saints. He alleged that despite the passage of several years, the trust had neither issued a receipt nor provided any information regarding the donated silver brick.
Raising questions over the donation, Raut wrote, “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 Rs 1 crore and 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!”
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader demanded that the temple trust clarify the status of the alleged donation and called for a transparent investigation into the matter.
Raut’s latest allegations come at a time when the Uttar Pradesh Police are investigating an alleged donation embezzlement case linked to the Ram Temple. An FIR has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following directions from the Uttar Pradesh government.
Several individuals, including Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Tinnu Yadav and Manish Yadav, have been named in the FIR as part of the ongoing investigation.
The controversy intensified after former Samajwadi Party MLA Pawan Pandey alleged that donations worth between ₹7 crore and ₹7.5 crore received by the Ram Temple had been misappropriated.
Following those allegations, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 14 after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust itself sought an inquiry into the matter.
Earlier this week, Raut had also targeted the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the donation controversy, alleging that those responsible for the alleged irregularities would not face action. The investigation into the donation case is currently underway, with authorities examining the handling and accounting of offerings made at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
