Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, Champat Rai on Sunday called allegations of fraud in buying land for the Ram Mandir as misleading and politically motivated, adding that all temple land bought so far was at below open market price.
“Allegations (of fraud) are misleading and motivated by political hatred. All lands that Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has purchased so far have been bought at a price much less than the open market price,” a statement issued by the Trust said.
Rai said that after the Supreme Court`s decision on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in November 2019, people from across the country started coming to Ayodhya to buy land and prices increased. The plot in the question, he said, is a “very prominent place near the railway station”.
Rai added that buying and selling of the land are based on mutual dialogue between the parties. “After taking consent, the consent form is signed. All types of court fees and stamp papers are purchased online. The purchase of land is done based on the consent letter. Accordingly, the entire amount is transferred online to the seller’s account,” he said.
“All kinds of allegations have been made for over a century. Some also blamed us for Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. We do not worry about such allegations. You should not either,” said Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Champat Rai, who is also Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra.
When asked if he would comment on the allegations, Mr Rai snapped back saying: “No. We will study it.”
In a late night statement on Twitter, Mr Rai said the allegations were “influenced by politics and misguided”.
He claimed the original buyers of the property had entered into an agreement with the owners years ago for the price applicable at that time. In March, they formalized it at the same rate, and then sold the property to the temple trust at the current market price.
Only, it is not explained how the difference between the two transactions, carried out within minutes, was a staggering Rs 16.5 crore.
Mr Rai also said it was important to acquire some properties adjacent to the east and west side of the Ram Temple complex “to create easy access for pilgrims”.
He underlined the Uttar Pradesh government has also been acquiring land in Ayodhya for development work, and so property prices have gone up in the town. The “particular property in question is located at a very prominent spot close to the Ayodhya railway station,” as per the statement.
He claimed that all transactions by the temple trust are online and transparent and done with prior approval between both parties.
