Ram Temple Trust Reorganises Leadership After Embezzlement Allegations
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the independent body managing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, held its first meeting on Monday following allegations of donation thefts that surfaced last month.
The trust initially denied any wrongdoing. However, the Uttar Pradesh state government formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations. Based on an interim report from the SIT, Ayodhya police registered a case of alleged embezzlement, naming eight individuals who were subsequently arrested and are being questioned, according to police.
After Monday's meeting, trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri told a press conference that Champat Rai, the former general secretary, and another official, Anil Mishra, had resigned after the police lodged a complaint on 25 June. Giri named retired forest officer Krishna Mohan as interim general secretary. Mohan is a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent organisation of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Giri also announced the creation of a new CEO position and stated that a three-member panel would recommend candidates for the role.
Providing details of donations, Giri said the trust had received 5.82 billion rupees ($61 million; £45.63 million) from devotees until 31 March 2026, and spent 3.19 billion rupees ($33.48 million; £25 million) on the shrine's upkeep.
In his first comments, Mohan said his priority was to identify and close any loopholes to prevent such incidents from recurring. He noted that the allegations had harmed the trust's image and generated public distrust.
The allegations of theft at one of India's most revered and politically significant temples were made by a former accounts supervisor who said he was dismissed after raising concerns about alleged wrongdoing internally. His claims sparked a major political controversy, with opposition parties questioning the handling of cash, jewellery, gold, and silver donated by devotees. Petitions were filed in the state high court and Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored investigation by federal agencies.
The exact amount stolen remains unclear, but a former city legislator has alleged that more than 70 million rupees ($739,550; £560,420) is missing. Champat Rai had previously rejected claims that donations or offerings were mishandled.
At Monday's press conference, Giri did not specify the amount of stolen money or valuables but demanded strict action against those involved. He expressed concern over the damage to devotees' sentiments and the institution's credibility, as reported by The Indian Express. 'Whether the theft was small or big comes later. The atmosphere that has been created is what has hurt all of us,' he said.
Giri added that the construction of the temple was a moment of immense joy, and the theft from donation boxes during counting is deeply painful and shameful for all. He asserted that the temple trustees did not commit the theft, according to news agency ANI. 'This betrayal was perpetrated by people whom Champat Rai, whom we consider a truly noble and great soul, trusted and kept close for so many years. It was those people who betrayed the trust,' he said.
The trust is scheduled to meet again on 22 July, by which time the police are expected to submit their final report.
