The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has accepted the resignation of its General Secretary, Champat Rai, amid the ongoing controversy over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The move is being viewed as an effort by the Trust to address the issue of accountability in the wake of the donation scandal.
The Trust held a meeting for more than three hours on Monday. Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra had earlier offered to resign after allegations of siphoning temple donations triggered widespread controversy.
According to sources familiar with the developments, the Trust has accepted Champat Rai’s resignation and selected his successor.
Although Champat Rai was neither named in the FIR nor accused in any criminal case related to the alleged theft, the decision is being seen as the first step toward fixing responsibility for the alleged irregularities that occurred during his tenure.
The move is understood to have been taken on grounds of moral accountability and propriety.
Investigations Continue Into Donation Embezzlement
The leadership change comes as the Trust remains under scrutiny over alleged large-scale irregularities in the handling of temple donations. Separate investigations are being conducted by the police and a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The SIT recently submitted its preliminary report, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured strict action against those responsible. According to the report, cash-counting staff allegedly violated standard protocols, bypassed CCTV surveillance, and embezzled devotees’ donations worth an estimated ₹7-8 crore.
Eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft, including Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, who served as Champat Rai’s driver. Meanwhile, the Opposition has alleged that such a large-scale embezzlement could not have taken place without the involvement of senior functionaries.
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