LUCKNOW, July 20 -- Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent and comprehensive investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Jointly signed by Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, the letter marks Gandhi's first public reaction since the issue came to the fore in June. "Your silence now in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to ensure accountability and restitution. We urge you to immediately order an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Trust, including the handling of all offerings including cash, gold, silver," the letter said. "The findings and the Trust's accounts should be made public so that every devotee knows how their offerings have been utilized. 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," it added. "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 the 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," the letter said. The Congress has been spearheading a campaign over the alleged donation theft in Uttar Pradesh. State Congress president Ajay Rai and other party leaders have termed the SIT constituted to probe the allegations "meaningless" and demanded that the investigation be conducted under the supervision of a sitting high court judge....