AYODHYA: In a significant development linked to the ongoing Ram Temple donation controversy, Champat Rai has resigned from his position as General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Sources said Rai submitted his resignation on moral grounds as scrutiny over the alleged siphoning of temple donations continues to grow. Trustee Anil Mishra has also stepped down, marking a major administrative shake-up within the trust.
SIT Probe Intensifies, FIR Registered Against Eight Accused
The resignations come shortly after the Uttar Pradesh government intensified its probe into allegations that several crores of rupees collected as donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya were allegedly misappropriated. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the state government, recently submitted a preliminary report that reportedly recommended further action in the case.
According to officials, an FIR has already been registered against eight individuals accused of involvement in the alleged embezzlement. The accused include temple staff and personnel associated with the cash-counting process. They face charges including theft, criminal breach of trust, criminal conspiracy, and receiving stolen property. Several of them have already been arrested by the police as the investigation progresses.
Authorities Examine Alleged Financial Irregularities
The alleged financial irregularities involve cash offerings made by devotees at the Ram Temple. Initial reports indicate that approximately ₹7–7.5 crore may have gone missing, although authorities are continuing to verify the exact amount through forensic and financial examination. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage, banking records, and operational procedures related to the handling of donations.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured that the state government will conduct a transparent investigation and take strict action against anyone found guilty, regardless of their position. He stated that the administration would distinguish facts from speculation and ensure accountability throughout the inquiry.
Trust Requested Independent Inquiry
The controversy first gained political attention after allegations were raised regarding the handling of donations received by the temple. In response, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust itself sought an independent investigation to establish the facts and eliminate doubts surrounding the issue. Subsequently, the Uttar Pradesh government formed a three-member SIT comprising senior administrative, police, and finance officials to conduct the probe.
Temple Donation System Under Review
The Ram Temple, inaugurated in January 2024, has been receiving substantial contributions from devotees across India and abroad. The shrine attracts tens of thousands of visitors every day, with footfall increasing significantly during festivals and weekends. Donations are collected through designated donation boxes, while the counting process is carried out under an arrangement involving State Bank of India personnel, private agency staff, and temple representatives.
Investigators are examining whether existing financial safeguards and monitoring systems were adequate to prevent misuse of donation funds. Authorities are also expected to review the operational protocols governing cash collection, transportation, counting, and deposit to identify any procedural lapses that may have facilitated the alleged embezzlement.
Political Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
The resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra have triggered widespread political reactions. Opposition parties have demanded greater accountability from senior functionaries of the trust, while supporters of the trust have maintained that the ongoing investigation should be allowed to proceed without political interference. The issue has rapidly become a subject of national discussion due to the religious significance of the Ram Temple and the scale of donations it receives.
Officials have clarified that the investigation remains focused on determining responsibility based on evidence collected during the SIT inquiry and subsequent police investigation. Further legal action will depend on the findings of the ongoing probe.
As the investigation continues, authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring transparency in the management of temple donations and restoring public confidence in the systems governing one of India’s most prominent religious institutions.
