Ayodhya: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai has stepped down from his position following the widening investigation into the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft case, according to sources. The development comes after eight individuals were arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ayodhya temple.
The resignation, which has not yet been officially detailed by the trust, is being described by sources as a moral decision taken amid the ongoing probe. Authorities have intensified the investigation after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovered alleged financial irregularities involving temple donations and submitted its findings to the Uttar Pradesh government.
Police have registered an FIR against eight accused, including individuals associated with handling donation collections and cash counting operations. All eight have been taken into custody as investigators examine allegations of theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating, and conspiracy related to temple offerings.
Officials are scrutinizing financial records, CCTV footage, donation registers, and internal procedures to determine how the alleged misappropriation occurred. The SIT’s preliminary report reportedly identified lapses in the handling of donations, prompting swift legal action and arrests.
The donation controversy has generated widespread political attention, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency in the administration of temple funds. Meanwhile, religious organizations, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), have called for strict action against anyone found guilty, emphasizing that devotees’ contributions must be protected.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has maintained that it supports a fair and impartial investigation and has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Officials have reiterated that accountability and transparency remain essential in managing donations made by millions of devotees visiting the Ram Mandir.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to examine whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged embezzlement. More details are likely to emerge as the probe progresses.
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