New Delhi: In a joint letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi have demanded an “independent and comprehensive” probe into the allegations of embezzlement of donation funds at the Ayodhya Ram temple, saying lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith are feeling “betrayed by the theft”.In the letter dated July 18, the two leaders of opposition in both houses of parliament, respectively, have condemned the Modi’s continued silence on the issue, saying it is unacceptable, while urging him to ensure accountability and restitution.The letter comes days ahead of the monsoon session of the parliament, which will begin on Monday.“Our joint letter to PM Modi demanding an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and trust are feeling betrayed by the theft,” Kharge posted on X on Sunday, sharing the letter. Subsequently, Gandhi also shared the letter saying the “credibility of your government now depends on your actions”.“You are aware of the theft of thousands of crores in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and trust are feeling betrayed by the theft.You announced the formation of the Trust in Parliament on directions of Supreme Court of India, but its members have been solely appointed by your government. It is public knowledge that the members of the Trust are affiliated with the RSS, VHP and its affiliates. Its disgraced former General Secretary was also your close associate. Your silence now in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to ensure accountability and restitution,” the letter read.Our joint letter to PM Modi demanding an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard- earned money with faith, devotion and trust are feeling betrayed by the… pic.twitter.com/FxrQA0YDk7— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 19, 2026In addition to a probe into the theft itself, the Congress leaders also sought an investigation into the handling of all offerings including cash, gold, silver, and demanded accountability over the scandal.“The findings and the Trust’s accounts should be made public so that every devotee knows how their offerings have been utilised. All those found responsible must be held accountable, irrespective of position or influence. The credibility of your government and the Trust rests on how transparently and swiftly you act,” they wrote, adding, “The people of India are watching.”So far, the Uttar Pradesh Police have registered an FIR in the case on a complaint by the temple trust and arrested eight people.Meanwhile, the Nirmohi Akhara, a monastic order of Hindu priests in Ayodhya belonging to the Ramanandi order of the Vaishnavi sect, has moved the Supreme Court with a fresh application seeking that Trust be reconstituted in line with the 2019 Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid title dispute judgement.