'Champat Rai Was Betrayed': Mahant Kamal Das Makes Explosive Claim In Ram Temple Donation Theft Case

Published 12 July 2026 · india

'Champat Rai Was Betrayed': Mahant Kamal Das Makes Explosive Claim In Ram Temple Donation Theft Case Published By, Last Updated: July 12, 2026, 08:22 IST

'Champat Rai Was Betrayed': Mahant Kamal Das Makes Explosive Claim In Ram Temple Donation Theft Case Published By, Last Updated: July 12, 2026, 08:22 IST The controversy prompted the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to accept the resignations of Champat Rai as general secretary and trustee Anil Mishra. Rapid Read Mahant Kamal Nayan Das, successor to Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. (Instagram/No Next Question (NNQ) Amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged theft and embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Mahant Kamal Nayan Das, successor to Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, on Sunday came out in support of former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai, asserting that the veteran VHP leader had been “betrayed" and was innocent.

Speaking to ANI, Mahant Das expressed confidence in the investigation and said both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would ensure justice. “Our Chief Minister and Prime Minister are honest. We trust them that a fair decision will be taken," he said. Backing Rai, Das said, “Champat Rai has been betrayed. He has sacrificed his entire life for the nation, society and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. To date, there has been no shortcoming in him. Champat Rai is innocent. He has been cheated." The remarks come as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues to probe the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple. The case has led to the arrest of eight people, while investigators have recovered cash, jewellery and other valuables allegedly linked to the theft.

The SIT’s preliminary findings have also flagged procedural lapses in the handling of temple donations, including allegations that an accused had unauthorised access to donation box keys. The controversy prompted the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to accept the resignations of Champat Rai as general secretary and trustee Anil Mishra. The Trust has also announced administrative changes, including the appointment of an interim general secretary and the creation of a chief executive officer (CEO) post. Earlier this week, Rai broke his silence over the allegations, calling them “baseless" and saying he would respond to every accusation only after the SIT submits its final report. He has maintained that the truth will emerge once the investigation is complete.

News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Ayodhya, India, India First Published: July 12, 2026, 08:22 IST News india 'Champat Rai Was Betrayed': Mahant Kamal Das Makes Explosive Claim In Ram Temple Donation Theft Case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...