Murshidabad, Dec 08 (V7N) – The proposed construction of a Babri Masjid in Rejinagar, Murshidabad, has drawn widespread attention after massive cash donations were collected, reportedly filling multiple trunks with currency notes.

According to local sources, at least 11 trunks of cash were brought to the house of expelled Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir, where the counting process is currently underway. Around 30 workers have been deployed to count the money using both manual methods and modern currency-counting machines. The entire process is being monitored under CCTV surveillance, organizers said.

The funds are being deposited under the banner of the West Bengal Islamic Foundation of India. Counting of the donated money began on Sunday (December 7) evening in the presence of religious scholars and ulama and continued past midnight. By that time, seven trunks had been opened, yielding approximately ₹37 lakh, according to those overseeing the process.

Humayun Kabir claimed that the volume of donations reflects widespread public support. He said that during the foundation-stone laying ceremony, approximately ₹93 lakh was collected through QR code payments in a single day, while around 1.5 lakh bricks were donated within two days for the mosque’s construction.

On December 6, marking the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, Humayun Kabir laid the foundation stone for the proposed mosque in Rejinagar, personally carrying donated bricks at the event. He stated that the total estimated cost of construction could reach ₹300 crore.

Kabir further claimed that an individual, who wished to remain anonymous, has pledged ₹80 crore for the project, with additional donations continuing to come in. He also said proposals have been received from Birbhum and Malda districts to construct similar structures there, assuring that those proposals would be considered.

While supporters argue that the open counting of donations reflects transparency, the development has sparked political debate. Opposition parties have raised questions regarding the source of the funds, accounting transparency, and legal compliance, calling for scrutiny of the donation process.

The large-scale fundraising and public reaction have made the issue a topic of intense discussion in both political and social circles in West Bengal.

END/SMA/AJ