Actor Anupam Kher on Wednesday said those responsible for the alleged theft of donation money at the Ram temple in Ayodhya should be caught and punished, adding that the controversy should not affect the temple's sanctity.
The 71-year-old actor came to visit the temple before shooting for his next movie Shri Ram Bhoomi.
"Our new film, 'Shri Ram Bhoomi', begins shooting today in Ayodhya. How can any new work begin without the blessings of Ram Lalla and Lord Hanuman? That is why I have come here to seek their blessings and to pray for the health, peace, and happiness of everyone," Kher told reporters.
Asked about the alleged scam, which has sparked a major political storm and put the ruling BJP on the backfoot, Kher said thieves exist everywhere.
"It does not reduce the dignity or prestige of the temple. It took 500 years for this temple to be established. If a few people indulge in such acts, it should not affect the temple's sanctity,” he said.
“If there's a theft in a house, you don't blame or abandon the house itself. What happened was wrong and should never have happened. But Sanatan Dharma and Lord Ram have existed since ancient times, across the ages. Those responsible for it must certainly be caught and punished," the actor added.
The alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple came to light on June 7. An FIR was registered on June 25 on the basis of a preliminary report submitted by the SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government.
Eight persons associated with the temple's donation-counting process have been arrested so far, and the investigation is continuing.
