Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and former Trust member Anil Mishra have reportedly received a clean chit from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of theft and irregularities involving donations and offerings at the Ram temple.
The development comes after the Uttar Pradesh Home Department handed over the SIT’s final report to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday. The Trust is now expected to examine the findings and take further action based on the report.
What Is the Ram Temple Donation Case?
The controversy concerns allegations related to the handling of donations and offerings received at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Questions were raised over the management of temple funds and donations, leading to demands for an investigation into the matter.
The allegations had put the spotlight on senior members associated with the Trust, including Rai and Mishra.
SIT Formed To Probe Allegations
The Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member SIT on June 13 following a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The investigation team was headed by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant. The panel was asked to examine the allegations and establish whether any wrongdoing had taken place in the handling of donations and offerings.
The SIT had submitted an initial report to the state government on June 23, along with several recommendations.
The final report has now been handed over to the Trust for consideration.
Champat Rai Had Stepped Down Amid Controversy
Rai had resigned from his post as general secretary of the Ram temple Trust on June 26, amid the controversy surrounding the handling of donations and offerings.
His resignation came as allegations surrounding the matter attracted increased attention.
However, Rai subsequently received support from sections of the Hindu religious leadership. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) also conducted an internal inquiry and gave him a clean chit.
Several prominent seers in Ayodhya had also backed Rai during the controversy.
What Happens Next?
With the SIT’s final report now submitted, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will have to examine the findings and decide on the next course of action.
The reported clean chit to Rai and Mishra is significant because both had faced scrutiny in connection with the allegations.
The development could also influence discussions over the future organisational structure of the Ram temple Trust, particularly after Rai’s resignation.
The SIT report has not only addressed the allegations against the two former Trust functionaries but has also shifted the focus towards what action the Trust will take after examining the investigation findings.
