VHP Says Champat Rai Should Be Investigated After 8 Arrested In Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Row

Published 26 June 2026 · india

VHP Says Champat Rai Should Be Investigated After 8 Arrested In Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Row Published By, Last Updated: June 26, 2026, 16:27 IST

VHP Says Champat Rai Should Be Investigated After 8 Arrested In Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Row Published By, Last Updated: June 26, 2026, 16:27 IST Champat Rai quit as the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust following allegations of theft and misappropriation of devotees’ donations at Ram temple. Rapid Read Ram Mandir trust chief Champat Rai After eight people were arrested in connection with the alleged theft and embezzlement of devotees’ donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Visva Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President Alok Kumar on Friday said former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai should also be investigated. Speaking to CNN-News18, Kumar said the scope of the probe should not be limited to the eight accused. “The FIR also says that, apart from the eight people, others should also be investigated.

In my opinion, Champat Rai should also be investigated," Kumar said. He also clarified that Rai does not represent the VHP. Earlier in the day, Rai resigned as the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust following allegations of theft and misappropriation of cash and valuables donated by devotees at the Ram Temple. According to media reports, Rai stepped down to ensure a free and fair investigation, although no allegations have been levelled against him personally. The eight people were arrested on Thursday night after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted its preliminary report to the Uttar Pradesh government in the alleged theft and embezzlement of temple donations. Among those named in the FIR is Tinnu Yadav, who previously worked as Rai’s driver and was allegedly involved in temple affairs after the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol.

Yogi Adityanath Says Guilty Will Not Be Spared Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said police action against those accused of embezzling donations at the Ram Temple began immediately after the SIT submitted its report. Addressing a public gathering in Deoria, Adityanath said all eight individuals named in the FIR had been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday night and asserted that anyone found guilty would face strict action. “Anyone found guilty will not be spared," the Chief Minister said. Adityanath also alleged that some political parties were attempting to exploit the controversy to defame Ayodhya and hurt the sentiments of Ram devotees. “When they found nothing else, they started playing with people’s faith. They are making allegations against Ram devotees and trying to defame Ayodhya Dham," he said.