Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation theft case: Champat Rai calls allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday broke his silence over allegations of donation embezzlement linked to the Ayodhya Ram
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday broke his silence over allegations of donation embezzlement linked to the Ayodhya Ram Temple, describing the accusations against him as "baseless" and saying he would address every claim only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) completes its inquiry. His statement came a day after the Trust formally accepted his resignation, even as opposition parties intensified allegations of a cover-up and renewed demands for an independent investigation. The controversy has placed the Ram Temple Trust under increasing public scrutiny, with political parties questioning its functioning while the police investigation into the alleged donation theft continues. Champat Rai says SIT report will reveal 'the entire truth' In a handwritten letter addressed to "Ram devotees", Rai said he had deliberately chosen to remain silent while the investigation was underway. Describing his public life as an "open book", he said the allegations levelled against him were without merit. Rai noted that the SIT's preliminary findings had already been presented before the Trust's general meeting and that the report, initially classified as "top secret", had since been made public. He wrote that once the SIT submits its final report, he would respond to every allegation individually and ensure that "the entire truth" is placed before the public. Rai also shared the letter on X alongside a verse from the Ramcharitmanas: "Dheeraj dharm mitra aru naari, aapad kaal parikhiye chari" (Patience, righteousness, friends and one's spouse are tested in times of adversity).
Ram Mandir Trust confirms Rai is no longer a member The Trust clarified on Tuesday that Rai and fellow member Anil Mishra had formally ceased to be members after their resignations were accepted during Monday's meeting. Krishna Mohan, a retired Indian Forest Service officer, has been appointed interim general secretary. The Trust is expected to decide at its next meeting on July 22 whether to make the appointment permanent. "As of now, Krishna Mohan has been appointed as the interim General Secretary by the Trust, but the Trust may later decide to make this appointment permanent," Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri said. Also Read | Is Bajrang Lal Bagra set to replace Champat Rai? Speculation grows The Trust has also constituted a three-member search committee to identify a chief executive officer and announced plans to strengthen its donation management system to prevent future irregularities. UP Police intensify investigation into Ram Mandir donation theft case The Ayodhya police investigation remains active. Officials are preparing to confront three accused, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey, with evidence gathered during the questioning of five other arrested suspects on July 5. All eight accused were arrested on June 25 and remain in judicial custody. Investigators questioned them inside jail after obtaining special permission from the court. Meanwhile, some groups have demanded that Rai and other Trust members also be named in the FIR as the investigation progresses. Congress alleges 'cover-up', seeks Supreme Court-monitored probe The opposition sharpened its attack following Rai's statement, accusing the BJP and RSS of attempting to shield those responsible.
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