Key Meeting of Ram Temple Trust Amid Donation Controversy

In Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, a crucial meeting of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust took place on Monday amidst allegations of misappropriation of donations for the Ram Temple. The meeting was convened to discuss the future of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Dr. Anil Mishra, who resigned from his position, taking moral responsibility for the alleged theft. The Trust has accepted his resignation. Additionally, the interim report from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was also a topic of discussion during the meeting. Due to media presence and privacy concerns, the meeting was held in a guest house within the temple complex. The Trust welcomed the SIT's investigation and called for action against those responsible, expressing confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Following the Trust's significant meeting, Treasurer Govind Giri addressed the media regarding the theft allegations. He stated that the current atmosphere led to the resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra. Champat Rai emphasized that it was inappropriate to remain in office until the culprits were apprehended. The Trust acknowledged their service and accepted their resignations with respect.

After a meeting lasting over two hours, Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, the Trust's treasurer, announced that another meeting would be held on July 22 to discuss the SIT's final report. He expressed that everyone is hurt and saddened by the situation. The magnitude of the theft is secondary; the primary concern is the environment that allowed such incidents to occur. He noted that the truth must be confronted, and it is their duty to reflect on it. Given the current circumstances, a serious situation has arisen, leading to the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra. Champat Rai was particularly distressed, believing it was inappropriate to remain in his position until justice was fully served—meaning the culprits were caught and punished. His resignation was motivated by this sentiment, and it was a matter that could not simply be accepted or rejected. K. Parasaran pointed out that according to the Trust's constitution, a resignation is considered accepted as soon as it is submitted.