Ram Temple treasurer denies role in donation counting amid theft allegations
Amid the controversy over the theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Treasurer Govind Dev Giri broke
Amid the controversy over the theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Treasurer Govind Dev Giri broke his silence on the ongoing issue and released a detailed two-page statement, saying he had no role in the counting of offerings and calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter. Calling the alleged embezzlement of temple donations an "unbelievable" incident, Giri said it had deeply hurt the sentiments of Lord Ram's devotees. He also noted that reports suggest the alleged theft of offerings had been going on for a considerable period, describing it as extremely painful for devotees. In his statement addressed to Ram devotees, Giri clarified that he never sought or lobbied for the post of trustee or treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. He said serving Lord Ram in any capacity is a matter of privilege and fulfilment, adding that he prays for everyone's well-being. The treasurer said he visits Ayodhya approximately every one to one-and-a-half months for trust-related work and has never claimed any reimbursement from the trust for his air travel or other travel expenses.
He described his work as selfless service to Lord Ram. Giri said that, as treasurer, audited records of all income and expenditure from the beginning have been safely maintained and remain available for inspection by authorised persons at any time. He explained that maintaining accounts is part of his responsibilities, but because he travels frequently, chartered accountant associates from the trust's Pune office visit Ayodhya during the last four to five days of every month to examine the accounts, assist the trust's office staff and provide necessary guidance. The treasurer also said that since becoming a trustee, he has never personally accepted any cash donations or gifts for the temple from anyone. He mentioned only two exceptions: a donation of Rs 11,000 from his late elderly sister and a one-kilogram silver brick presented by Neelam Go-Heji in Pune. He said receipts for both donations were immediately issued, adding that apart from these two instances, he has accepted only cheque donations. Clarifying his financial role, Giri said all trust expenditures are made directly through banks. He said he is not an authorised signatory for bank transactions, does not possess a cheque book and that no payments are made in cash, with all payments processed only through bank transfers.
Addressing the controversy over donation counting, Giri stated that he has never had any connection with the area where offerings deposited in the temple's hundi are counted. He said he resides in Pune and remains engaged in continuous travel for religious discourses, while the counting of donations is a daily operational activity handled by local trustees from the beginning. He added that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for counting donations was jointly prepared by the local trustees and the State Bank of India, and that he was shown the SOP for the first time only last month. Referring to the alleged theft, Giri said the amount stolen, when it occurred and how it happened are all matters for investigation. He said the alleged crime must be investigated thoroughly and impartially, adding that people should trust the investigating agencies. He expressed confidence in the Special Investigation Team (SIT), the police and the judicial process, saying those responsible would not escape punishment. Stressing the trust's commitment to transparency, Giri said devotees of Lord Ram stand with the truth and follow the ideals of Maryada Purushottam Lord Ram.
The BriefWire