New scam in name of Ram Temple: VHP writes to Amit Shah, seeks action

Ayodhya: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Sunday wrote to the Uttar Pradesh Director General Police and the Home Ministry office, seeking immediate intervention in an alleged scam where funds are being sought on pretext of Ram Temple Development. 

According to VHP a miscreant, identified as Abhishek Kumar, sought funds for Ayodhya Temple Development on social media.

“He has posted the UPI QR codes in Facebook groups with the line "Ram Mandir Ayodhya Chanda pradarshan Karen". On Scanning the QR Code, UPI will direct the user to UPI ID "9040914736@Paytm" with the name Manisha Nallabelly,” the VHP letter to Lucknow DGP read.

VHP further explained that Shri Ram Janmabhumi Teerth Kshetra Trust has clarified on multiple occasions that no private person or organisation are authorized to collect funds for the Temple.

“There seems to be a malicious motive to deceive unsuspecting devotees and use social media to collect money illegally. At a time when the entire nation is rejoicing over the Ram Temple inauguration, such preposterous activities should be nipped in the bud. I have attached screenshots for your reference. Please do the needful in this regard,” the letter added.

Speaking on the issue, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal said that those who are trying to scam devotees will be dealt with in accordance with law. He asserted that the authorities have already been notified. 

“There are fraudsters trying to scam people by asking money for development of Ram Temple. I want to assert that no private person or organisation has been allowed to accept money for Ram temple. Competent authorities are looking into the matter,” Bansal said.