Amid an investigation into alleged misappropriation of donations meant for the Ram Mandir, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust has accepted the resignations of its General Secretary, Champat Rai, and trustee Anil Mishra. Trust treasurer Govind Giri confirmed that the departures were in line with the trust’s own regulations. He also took the opportunity to recognize Champat Rai for his significant contributions to the trust since its early days.
The resignations follow accusations of irregularities in the handling of funds contributed by devotees for the temple’s construction. Pankaj Jaiswal, a senior member of the trust, expressed deep concern over the matter, labeling the situation both painful and disgraceful. He emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity when it comes to handling donations from the public.
To fill the gap left by the resignations, Krisha Mohan has been appointed as the interim General Secretary, while Govind Giri will continue his role as treasurer. The trust is scheduled to convene again on July 22, anticipating the completion of a Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) final report by that date. Govind Giri made it clear that the trust is committed to accountability and will not shield any individuals found culpable, insisting that legal action is necessary for those who have breached trust, regardless of their status within the organization.
Currently, eight people have been taken into custody in connection with the alleged theft of donations. As the investigation continues, the trust faces the challenge of restoring public confidence while ensuring transparency and accountability in its financial dealings.