Significant Decisions Made in Ram Temple Trust Meeting Amid Donation Controversy

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust held a crucial meeting to address the controversy surrounding the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Key decisions included the acceptance of resignations from trust officials and the formulation of strategies to prevent future incidents. The meeting, which was relocated for security reasons, saw participation from various officials, including virtual attendees from the government. The trust president expressed deep concern over the incident, calling for accountability and justice. Meanwhile, the Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition for an independent investigation into the matter, citing an existing case in the Supreme Court. This article delves into the significant developments from the meeting and the ongoing investigation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 6, 2026, 19:21 IST

Key Outcomes from the Ram Temple Trust Meeting

In light of the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust convened an important meeting today. The trust's treasurer, Govind Dev Giri, provided insights into the decisions made during this gathering, which took place at the guest house within the temple complex starting at 3 PM. The agenda included discussions on the investigation into the alleged donation theft, the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Dr. Anil Mishra, and measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Following the discussions, the members accepted the resignations of Champat Rai and Dr. Anil Mishra and devised a plan to implement effective measures to avert similar occurrences.

Meeting Location and Attendance

Originally scheduled to be held at Mani Ramdas Chawni, the meeting was relocated to the temple premises due to security concerns. The trust's president, Nritya Gopal Das, who had been hospitalized at Medanta Hospital in Lucknow for respiratory issues and an infection, was discharged last Friday but could not attend the crucial meeting due to his health condition. Sources indicate that Prashant Lokhande, a secretary in the central government, and Sanjay Prasad, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Home Department, participated virtually. Notably, Nripendra Mishra, the head of the Ram Temple Construction Committee, was absent from this significant meeting, which was secured with stringent safety measures.

Investigation Updates on Donation Theft

It is important to note that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed on June 13 to probe the donation theft, submitted its preliminary report to the state government on June 23. This led to the registration of a case and the arrest of eight named suspects. Investigators have also recovered deleted CCTV footage showing the alleged culprits concealing money while exiting the temple premises. However, no charges have been filed against Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, or special invitee Gopal Rao, although lawyers from the Faizabad Bar Association have submitted a written complaint to the police demanding action against them.

Trust President's Statement on the Incident

Prior to the trust's significant meeting, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das broke his silence regarding the incident, expressing that he is 'deeply hurt' by the event. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would ensure that those involved in this 'sin' receive 'severe punishment.' In a statement, he emphasized the need for accountability, stating that he trusts both leaders to deliver justice to everyone associated with this wrongdoing. He also highlighted that this matter concerns the faith of millions of Hindus and urged against politicizing it for personal gain.

Court's Decision on Investigation Request

Meanwhile, the Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench today dismissed a public interest litigation seeking an independent investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple. The court noted that a similar petition is already pending before the Supreme Court. The bench, comprising Justices Rajan Roy and Manjiv Shukla, concluded the hearing on the petition filed by Mohit Ashok, which requested an independent inquiry into the alleged embezzlement of donations made by devotees and an audit of the temple's financial matters by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).