Ram Temple Trust To Discuss Resignations Amid Donation Scam Probe
Ahead of the meeting, Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri said he had no role in day-to-day donation handling and maintained that audit records were intact. “The extent of the unfortunate theft, when and how it occurred, is part of the investigation. The probe should be impartial. The court will do its job. We have faith in the SIT and the police. No culprit should be spared. Everyone should have full faith in the investigation and the judiciary. We are all with the truth,” he said
Ayodhya: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will hold a crucial meeting on Monday to consider resignations of its general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra amid allegations of donation embezzlement, and is expected to review interim findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The meeting, to be held at Mani Ram Chhawni, will also discuss administrative arrangements if the resignations are accepted and review the role of special invitee Gopal Rao, sources said. Financial statements for 2025-26 are also likely to be placed for approval, along with discussions on appointing a chief executive officer.
Ahead of the meeting, Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri said he had no role in day-to-day donation handling and maintained that audit records were intact. “The extent of the unfortunate theft, when and how it occurred, is part of the investigation. The probe should be impartial. The court will do its job. We have faith in the SIT and the police. No culprit should be spared. Everyone should have full faith in the investigation and the judiciary. We are all with the truth,” he said.
Sources said statements of Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao have been recorded by the SIT and police, though no FIR has been filed against any trust functionary. The issue triggered political reactions, with Uddhav Thackeray launching a protest and criticising the handling of the matter. “It is unfortunate that those looting Hindus are in power. A robber cannot be asked to probe his robbery. It has to be done impartially,” he said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged large-scale irregularities linked to temple donations. The BJP responded through party leader Nitin Nabin, who said action would be taken where required and accused opposition parties of politicising the issue. The Vishva Hindu Parishad has written to Ayodhya police seeking verification of allegations made by opposition leaders and action if claims are found baseless. The SIT probe into the alleged embezzlement is ongoing.
