Itanagar, October 15: The United Arunachal Indigenous Peoples’ Forum (UAIPF), along with the North-East Forum for Indigenous People (NEFIP), has sought an independent investigation into alleged misleading public claims, fundraising activities and delays in the Parashuram statue project at Parashuram Kund in Arunachal Pradesh, associated with the Vipra Foundation.
In a representation dated October 15, 2026, submitted to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, UAIPF president and NEFIP vice-president Lafe Pafa sought verification of claims reportedly made by Vipra Foundation’s Sushil Ojha at a public gathering in Gujarat in 2023.
The forum questioned claims regarding ₹75,000 crore in development funding, a ₹100 crore government announcement, road connectivity improvements and increased tourist arrivals. It also raised concerns over the reported six-year delay in completing the statue project and sought a comprehensive independent audit of donations and expenditure.
The representation further urged the government to examine fundraising linked to previous and proposed Rath Yatras and verify whether photographs and names of government leaders had been used with proper authorisation.
The forum called for a high-level probe, possible government supervision of the remaining work and appropriate legal action if financial irregularities or deliberate misrepresentation are established. It said it was prepared to submit the 2023 video for independent examination.
The allegations are contained in the forum’s representation and have not been independently established.