The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust confirmed the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra on Dec. 5, 2023 [1].
These departures follow a theft investigation involving donations to the Ayodhya temple site. The resignations aim to ensure a transparent probe and maintain the trust of devotees who contribute to the project.
Police said that eight men have been arrested in connection with the case [3]. Authorities recovered Rs 79.80 lakh from seven of the accused individuals [3]. The Trust said the situation was a shock and they were deeply saddened by the incidents that came to light in the temple [2].
Despite the embezzlement row, the Trust provided assurances regarding the security of physical contributions. A spokesperson for the Ram Mandir Trust said that all donated valuables, including ornaments and silver bricks, remain completely safe and secure [4].
The Trust accepted the two resignations [1] to prevent the leadership's presence from interfering with the ongoing investigation. The case has drawn significant attention due to the high profile of the temple project and the volume of public donations it receives.
While some reports initially suggested only Champat Rai had stepped down, other records confirm that both Rai and Mishra resigned from their positions [1]. The investigation continues as police work to determine the full extent of the financial irregularities and whether other officials were involved in the theft.
“Eight men have been arrested, and Rs 79.80 lakh has been recovered from seven of them.”
The resignation of top leadership during a financial scandal suggests the Trust is prioritizing institutional credibility over individual tenure. By removing the General Secretary and a trustee, the organization seeks to isolate the investigation from its current administration to prevent further public distrust in a project of immense religious and national significance.
