Ram Temple Donation Embezzlement Probe Leads to Trust Resignations
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement of donations, gold, and precious stones at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has ordered trust officials not to leave the city. The probe, requested by the trust, expanded to land purchases and procurement irregularities. On July 6, 2026, the trust accepted resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra amid the scandal. Eight arrests have been made, and a CEO appointment is pending.
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Ram Temple Donation Theft a Disgrace, Says Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra
Ram Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra condemned the alleged theft of donations from the Ayodhya temple as a 'disgraceful blot' and expressed humiliation over the incident. Speaking on July 11, 2026, ahead of a committee meeting, he stated that temple management would be improved to prevent recurrence. Mishra confirmed a high-level committee, headed by a retired judge, has been formed to recommend a suitable CEO for the temple trust, amid speculation a woman may be appointed. The trust has accepted resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra over the controversy. On construction progress, Mishra reported the main temple structure is expected to be finished by July 30, with ancillary projects like a boundary wall and auditorium to be completed by November-December. A Ram Katha Museum with 20 galleries is also in development.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Champat Rai not upset about stepping down, supportive of new system: Ram temple trust treasurer
Ram temple trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri stated that former general secretary Champat Rai is not upset about his resignation and fully supports the new temple management system. Rai resigned following an alleged donation theft scandal at the Ayodhya Ram temple. Giri met Rai to check on his health and confirmed Rai is solution-oriented with no misgivings. Rai has been replaced by former IFS officer Krishna Mohan. The trust has set up a three-member committee to identify a CEO and will meet on July 22 to discuss further measures. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the embezzlement, and eight people have been arrested. Rai has said he will respond to allegations after the SIT submits its final report.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Ram Temple Donation Row: Champat Rai Says Will Respond After SIT Final Report
Former Ram Temple Trust general secretary Champat Rai, in a handwritten letter to 'Ram devotees', stated he will respond to all allegations of donation embezzlement after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report. The allegations, which Rai called 'baseless', emerged on June 7, leading to an FIR on June 25 based on a preliminary SIT report. Eight individuals involved in the temple's donation-counting process have been arrested. The trust met on July 6, accepted Rai's resignation, appointed Krishna Mohan as interim general secretary, and pledged to overhaul the donation system. Treasurer Govind Giri defended Rai, calling him 'untainted' and suggesting his only mistake was trusting the wrong people. Rai, a full-time pracharak since 1991, said his life has been 'an open book' and promised the 'entire truth' would emerge after the final SIT report.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Ram Temple Trust Confirms Champat Rai and Anil Mishra Have Left the Trust
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has confirmed that former General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra are no longer members, following the acceptance of their resignations on July 6, 2026. Treasurer Govind Dev Giri clarified that they have ceased to be part of the Trust entirely, dismissing speculation they remained as trustees. The Trust has appointed retired Indian Forest Service officer Krishna Mohan as interim General Secretary, with a decision on his permanent appointment expected at the next meeting on July 22. The resignations occurred amid a row over the theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The Trust also removed Gopal Nagarakatte from the list of specially invited members and plans to strengthen administrative and financial systems, including appointing a CEO. Reactions from local seers were mixed, with some expressing dissatisfaction and others supporting the move to ensure a fair investigation.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Ram Temple theft row: Trust accepts chief Champat Rai's resignation at key meeting
The Ram Temple Trust has accepted the resignation of its chief, Champat Rai, during a key meeting, according to a report by The Indian Express. This development comes amid a controversy over an alleged theft at the Ram Temple. The resignation marks a significant leadership change within the trust overseeing the construction of the temple in Ayodhya. Champat Rai had been a key figure in the temple movement and the trust's operations. The meeting's decision is expected to impact the ongoing management of the temple project and its associated affairs. Details of the theft row and the reasons behind Rai's resignation are part of the ongoing news coverage.
"site:indianexpress.com" - Google NewsRam Temple Trust Accepts Champat Rai's Resignation Amid Donation Embezzlement Allegations
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, accepted the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra on July 6, 2026, following allegations of embezzlement of donations. Treasurer Govind Giri announced that Krishna Mohan has been given additional duties as interim general secretary. The trust held a three-hour meeting at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, attended by seven of nine permanent members, including chairman Nritya Gopal Das. Rai and Mishra did not attend. Giri defended Rai as 'untainted' and praised his sacrifice for the temple movement. He also stated that all costly donated items allegedly stolen will be displayed. The meeting concluded at around 6:30 p.m.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Ram Temple Trust Accepts Champat Rai's Resignation Amid Donation Embezzlement Row
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accepted the resignations of its general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra on July 6, 2026, following allegations of embezzlement of donations and costly items from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Krishna Mohan was appointed interim general secretary. The Trust's treasurer Govind Giri defended Rai, calling him 'untainted' and praising his sacrifice for the temple movement. Giri also announced that all costly donated items allegedly stolen would be displayed. The three-hour meeting, attended by seven of nine permanent members including chairman Nritya Gopal Das, was held at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex guest house. Neither Rai nor Mishra attended.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Ram Temple Trust Meeting on July 6 to Discuss SIT Report and CEO Appointment
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will meet on July 6, 2026, in Ayodhya to discuss the preliminary report of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Ram Temple donation theft and subsequent trustee resignations. The five-point agenda includes discussions on the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, the appointment of a CEO, and approval of unaudited financial statements for 2025-26. The meeting occurs amid two parallel investigations by the SIT and police. Eight individuals have been arrested following the SIT's preliminary report, with key evidence recovered from one accused's home. Trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das is unwell and recovering in hospital.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Ram Temple Probe: SIT Asks Trust and Temple Functionaries Not to Leave Ayodhya
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement of funds at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has instructed trust and temple functionaries not to leave the city. The three-member SIT issued the directive before departing for Lucknow on June 21, 2026. Temple sources claim investigators found discrepancies in the documentation of offerings like gold, silver, and precious stones donated by devotees. Several office-bearers could not provide satisfactory explanations regarding inventory and accounting. Major irregularities may have occurred during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January-February 2025, when up to 10 lakh devotees visited daily. The SIT's probe has expanded to cover land purchases by the trust and procurement of building materials, with allegations that land was bought at prices above market rates. The SIT was formed on June 13 at the trust's request, and daily reports are being sent to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath.
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