The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has announced that General Secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra have submitted their resignations amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, has confirmed that its General Secretary Champat Rai and Trust member Anil Mishra have stepped down following the controversy surrounding the alleged embezzlement of temple donations.
In an official statement issued on Saturday, Trust Treasurer Govind Dev Giri said the resignations have been received and will be placed before the Trust's next meeting for a final decision.
The development comes just a day after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had denied reports claiming that Champat Rai had resigned. Rai also serves as the vice-president of the VHP.
Trust Assures Fair Investigation into Donation Embezzlement Case
Issuing its first public statement since the controversy erupted, the Trust expressed deep concern over the incident and assured devotees that a transparent and impartial investigation would be carried out.
The Trust stated that it was "deeply pained, shocked and saddened" by the allegations that have emerged in recent days and reiterated its commitment to restoring the confidence of devotees.
According to the statement, the Trust considers itself a custodian on behalf of millions of Ram devotees and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Trust Says Devotees' Offerings Are Safe
Addressing concerns regarding temple donations, the Trust clarified that silver bricks, jewellery and other offerings personally handed over by devotees remain completely safe and fully accounted for.
Regarding the alleged theft of cash from the temple's donation boxes, the Trust said that an FIR was registered based on the interim findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government following the Trust's request.
It added that legal proceedings are underway and expressed confidence that the truth would emerge and those responsible would face strict punishment.
Eight Arrested in Ram Temple Donation Theft Case
The controversy stems from an FIR registered by the Ayodhya police on June 25, following a complaint filed by the Trust.
Eight individuals have been arrested on charges including embezzlement, criminal conspiracy, fraud and criminal breach of trust under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The accused include Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Luvkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Rama Shankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava, and Rama Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu.
All eight were produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody until June 29.
Political Reactions Intensify
The issue has triggered sharp political reactions across Uttar Pradesh.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said that an SP-led government would restore Ayodhya's identity as a global centre of faith and spirituality. He pledged to further develop the holy city while preserving its religious significance for devotees.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders continued to target the BJP and the Trust's leadership over the controversy.
Senior Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Anil Yadav demanded the arrest of Champat Rai and alleged that the government was shielding those responsible for the alleged irregularities.
Investigation Continues
The Trust has reiterated that it remains committed to complete transparency and accountability throughout the investigation. It assured devotees that all offerings made at the Ram Temple are secure and maintained that legal action would be taken against anyone found guilty after the investigation is completed.