The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday witnessed one of its most significant administrative reshuffles since its formation, with General Secretary Champat Rai stepping down amid the ongoing donation theft controversy. Trustee Anil Mishra also resigned, while the Trust appointed newly inducted trustee Krishna Mohan as the Interim General Secretary and unveiled a series of measures aimed at strengthening transparency and restoring public confidence.
The high-level meeting, which lasted for more than three hours inside the Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya, concluded with several important decisions, including a comprehensive administrative review, the formation of an internal reform committee and the scheduling of another crucial meeting later this month to review the Special Investigation Team’s findings.
Champat Rai’s Resignation Takes Effect
Trust Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri confirmed that both Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra submitted their resignations before the meeting began.
According to Govind Giri, Rai believed that stepping aside was the most appropriate course of action until those responsible for the alleged theft of temple donations are identified and brought to justice.
“Champat Rai was deeply pained. He felt that until the culprits are caught and receive appropriate punishment, it would not be proper for him to continue,” Govind Giri told reporters.
He clarified that under the Trust’s governing rules, once a resignation is submitted it automatically becomes effective.
“Once the resignation had been tendered, the decision to accept or reject it was no longer in our hands. Under the Trust’s constitution, it is deemed accepted immediately. We had no other option,” he said.
Praising Rai’s decades-long contribution to the Ram Mandir movement, Govind Giri added that the Trust accepted his resignation with respect for his service and commitment.
“He has worked for the construction of the Ram Mandir from the very beginning. We accepted his resignation with respect for his years of service and the magnanimity he displayed in these circumstances,” he said.
Krishna Mohan Appointed Interim General Secretary
Following Rai’s exit, the Trust unanimously entrusted the responsibilities of General Secretary to Krishna Mohan on an interim basis.
A retired Indian Forest Service officer from the Maharashtra cadre, Krishna Mohan hails from Hardoi district in Uttar Pradesh and has remained associated with social service since retirement. Trust officials said his appointment will ensure continuity in administration until permanent office-bearers are selected after the ongoing investigation concludes.
The Trust indicated that fresh appointments of trustees and key office-bearers will be considered during its next meeting after reviewing the SIT report.
Trust Rejects Claims Over Missing Valuables
Responding to allegations that jewellery and other precious offerings donated by devotees had gone missing, the Trust categorically denied the claims.
Govind Giri said detailed records of every donated article are maintained and presented the register before the media.
“We have brought the register containing records of all these items. We have a register listing around 2,800 donated items, and every one of them is safe,” he said.
To reinforce its claim, Trust officials displayed several donated articles before journalists, including a gold Ramayana, symbolic footprints of Lord Ram, a necklace and the idol of Kagbhusundi.
“We have displayed these items merely as samples. All donated items are safe,” Govind Giri said.
Committee Formed To Improve Administration
Acknowledging that the controversy had damaged the Trust’s reputation, the governing body decided to establish a small committee tasked with recommending administrative reforms and strengthening internal systems.
Govind Giri admitted that the controversy had caused immense distress within the organisation.
“We are all hurt and saddened by this. Whether the theft was small or large is secondary. What pains us is that such an atmosphere was allowed to develop here,” he said.
He added that the committee would recommend safeguards to ensure such controversies do not arise again.
“The work we undertake from now on will be carried out in such a manner that no one will be able to point to even the slightest lapse,” he said.
Next Crucial Meeting Scheduled For July 22
The Trust announced that it will reconvene on July 22, by which time the Special Investigation Team is expected to submit its final report into the alleged donation theft.
According to Govind Giri, the findings will guide future administrative decisions, including appointments to key positions.
“We are meeting again on July 22. By then, the SIT’s detailed report should be available. We will deliberate on that report and appoint additional trustees and office-bearers,” he said.
Trust Demands Strict Punishment For Those Responsible
Reaffirming its stand on the ongoing investigation, the Trust said it wants every person involved in the alleged embezzlement to face legal consequences.
“Theft is theft. The SIT is investigating the matter, and that is the administration’s responsibility. We strongly want every accused, including anyone who may still be absconding, to be caught and punished,” Govind Giri stated.
He also urged devotees not to be influenced by misinformation surrounding the controversy.
“If you feel something is amiss or missing, come to the Trust’s office, inspect the records and judge for yourselves. Justice will prevail, the guilty will be punished, and we have full faith in the judicial system. My earnest appeal is: do not believe the rumours,” he said.
Donation Theft Case Triggered Emergency Meeting
The meeting had originally been scheduled for July 11 but was advanced following the alleged donation theft controversy that emerged last month.
The Uttar Pradesh government subsequently constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe allegations involving cash donations as well as offerings of gold, silver, jewellery and other valuables. Multiple people connected with the counting of temple donations have already been arrested, while investigators continue to examine the entire donation management system.
With Champat Rai stepping down, Krishna Mohan assuming interim charge and a fresh administrative review now underway, the Ram Temple Trust has initiated significant leadership changes as it attempts to restore confidence among devotees while the investigation into the alleged financial irregularities continues.
