JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) on Wednesday demanded a court-monitored, high-level probe into the alleged adulteration of silver offerings at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, saying the matter concerns the religious sentiments of devotees and warrants transparency and accountability.
Speaking to reporters, JKPCC chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma welcomed the High Court’s decision to summon the investigating officer in the case and urged the court to monitor the investigation. He also sought an inquiry by an independent agency into all aspects of the alleged irregularities.
The party said the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board should place the relevant facts in the public domain to address concerns among devotees regarding the controversy.
The Congress also called on the Shrine Board to disclose the period over which the alleged irregularities occurred and explain the mechanism, if any, for periodic examination or testing of offerings. It demanded that those found responsible be identified and proceeded against in accordance with the law.
