Donation Row Clouds Ram Temple Trust Meeting as Treasurer Denies Role
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is holding a crucial meeting on Monday amid allegations of donation theft. The trust is expected to discuss the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra, and may be briefed on interim findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttar Pradesh government.
Ahead of the meeting, treasurer Govind Dev Giri distanced himself from the controversy, stating he had no role in the daily donation process. He said all audit reports were “safe” and available for scrutiny. “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,” Giri said in a statement.
According to sources, statements from Rai, Mishra, and special invitee Gopal Rao have been recorded by both the SIT and police. However, no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against any trust functionary.
The opposition has stepped up attacks on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over the alleged embezzlement. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a “Ram Raksha” agitation, saying, “It is unfortunate that those looting Hindus are in power. A robber cannot be asked to probe his robbery.” Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleged a “₹20,000 crore loot” linked to Ram Temple donations.
The BJP hit back, with party chief Nitin Nabin accusing opposition parties of “insulting” Hindu faith. “We will take action and rectify shortcomings. But these anti-Hindu forces have no moral right to preach politics to us,” Nabin said in Lucknow.
Meanwhile, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has written to Ayodhya police, urging them to examine claims made by opposition leaders including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, and to summon them to substantiate their allegations. The VHP demanded action if the allegations are found to be intended to create hatred.
