Two senior officials of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust resigned on June 26, 2026 [1], following allegations of donation misappropriation.
The resignations signal a deepening crisis for the Ayodhya temple administration, as the theft of funds intended for a site of immense religious significance risks alienating millions of devotees.
Champat Rai and Anil Mishra stepped down from their positions [1]. Their departures coincided with the submission of a preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with probing the financial irregularities [1]. The SIT has since widened its investigation into how the funds were handled and where the missing donations were diverted [1].
Actor Anupam Kher, who visited the temple premises in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, spoke out against the scandal. Kher addressed the issue while at the site ahead of filming a new movie.
"What happened was wrong; it shouldn't have happened," Kher said [2].
The controversy has triggered a broader public debate regarding the oversight, and transparency of the temple's financial management [3]. The SIT continues to examine the matter to determine the full extent of the theft and identify all parties involved in the misappropriation [1].
Devotees have expressed outcry over the allegations, which center on funds collected for the construction, and maintenance of the Ram Mandir [3]. The trust is now under intense scrutiny to implement stricter accounting measures to prevent future losses.
“"What happened was wrong; it shouldn't have happened."”
The resignation of high-ranking trust officials following an SIT report suggests that the misappropriation of funds was significant enough to warrant immediate leadership changes. Because the Ram Mandir is a focal point of national identity and faith in India, the lack of financial transparency could lead to increased government oversight or a complete restructuring of how the trust manages public contributions.
