Ram Temple construction committee chair calls alleged donation theft a 'disgrace'

The chairman of the Ram Janmbhoomi Temple Construction Committee, Nripendra Misra, on Saturday described the alleged theft and misappropriation of donations at the temple in Ayodhya as a 'disgrace' that makes everyone involved feel 'diminished and very small.'

Misra made the remarks while in Ayodhya for the second day of a construction committee meeting with relevant agencies. He expressed hope that the situation would return to normal and that temple management would improve.

Speaking to media, Misra said, 'As you know, our treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri ji also spoke and explained that this is a stigma. The fact that this incident occurred in the Ram Temple is something we all regret. Not only do we regret it, but in a way, we all feel diminished because of it.'

The alleged theft involves funds donated by devotees for the construction of the temple. Authorities are investigating the matter, and steps are being taken to tighten financial controls. Misra's comments come amid public scrutiny over the management of donations at one of India's most significant religious sites.