Ram Temple Donation Row: VHP Chief Says Champat Rai ‘May Be Guilty Of Negligence’

Published 2 July 2026 · politics

Ram Temple Donation Row: VHP Chief Says Champat Rai ‘May Be Guilty Of Negligence’ Published By, Last Updated: July 02, 2026, 08:40 IST VHP Chief

Ram Temple Donation Row: VHP Chief Says Champat Rai ‘May Be Guilty Of Negligence’ Published By, Last Updated: July 02, 2026, 08:40 IST VHP Chief said that Champat Rai would be guilty of negligence but stressed that no allegations have yet been levelled against him in the case. Rapid Read Ayodhya News: Champat Rai and Anil Mishra stepped down on moral grounds amid mounting scrutiny following the preliminary findings of a Special Investigation Team, which reportedly identified lapses in the handling of temple donations. Ram Temple Donation Row: As the probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya intensifies, Vishwa Hindu Parishad international president Alok Kumar has asserted that the organisation would wait for the outcome of the investigation before deciding whether to take action against its international vice-president, Champat Rai, while acknowledging that Rai “may be guilty of negligence." In an inteview with Hindustan Times, the VHP chief said that the alleged theft had deeply hurt the sentiments of Hindus and called for a thorough investigation by the police and the Special Investigation Team (SIT). “What has happened is very unfortunate. And it has hurt the sentiments of the Hindus across the globe. There is no question of finding any excuses or trying to defend it," Kumar said, adding that the probe should cover “all angles and individuals" against whom allegations have emerged.

Responding to questions about Rai’s role, Kumar said that the former temple trust general secretary would be guilty of negligence but stressed that no allegations have yet been levelled against Rai in the case. “I’m admitting that he may be guilty of negligence. You want me to dismiss him (Rai) today without the result of the investigation probe but no one has accused Rai yet. The allegations are on his driver," he told the news outlet. He noted that the allegations currently centre on Rai’s driver, who has been arrested, allegedly possessed the keys to the temple’s strong room, and from whom police have recovered money. Kumar also rejected suggestions that the VHP should immediately disassociate itself from Rai, saying the organisation would wait until investigators reached their conclusions. “The VHP has proactively demanded an investigation which is going on… We shall wait for investigations to reach some conclusions and then consider this matter. Let his role be found out by an appropriate inquiry," he said. The VHP chief also distanced the organisation from the functioning of the temple trust, saying the VHP’s role ended after the Supreme Court’s verdict clearing the way for the temple’s construction. “We are not accountable for it.