Ram Mandir Trust Accepts Resignations Amid Donation Misappropriation Allegations
Resignations Accepted by Ram Mandir Trust
In Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, the Ram Mandir Trust has accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Dr. Anil Mishra amid allegations of misappropriation of donations. This development occurred following a high-level meeting held at the guest house within the temple complex, where the trust expressed confidence in the investigation being conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by the Yogi Adityanath government. Rai has been at the center of this controversy, and his close associate, Ramashankar alias Tinnu Yadav, is among the eight individuals arrested by the SIT. Both the SIT and Ayodhya police have interrogated Rai and Mishra, but no FIR has been filed against them as of now. During the trust's meeting on Monday, most members attended, including 89-year-old Chairman Nritya Gopal Das, while Rai and Mishra opted not to participate due to discussions regarding their resignations.
Chairman's Statement on Allegations
Hours before the meeting commenced, Das expressed his deep sorrow over the alleged theft and insisted that those responsible should face punishment. He urged the public not to politicize the issue and expressed faith that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would take appropriate action. In his brief statement, Das remarked, "I am very saddened by the theft that occurred at the Shri Ram Lala Ji temple. Whoever has committed this sin should receive the strictest punishment." Meanwhile, the SIT and Ayodhya police are actively investigating the case and have recovered cash from the homes of the eight arrested suspects. Authorities have also retrieved deleted CCTV footage showing the accused hiding notes while exiting the temple premises.
SIT Investigates Financial Activities
The SIT is also considering reviewing the audit reports of the trust's financial activities over the past five years; however, the trust's treasurer, Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, maintains that their financial operations are transparent, despite questions arising following the alleged theft.