Days after reports of funds misappropriation at the Ram Temple sparked a national uproar, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust chief Champat Rai and Trust member Anil Mishra have stepped down from their roles, as per reliable sources. The Uttar Pradesh government’s Director of Information disclosed that both these prominent Trust members have tendered their resignations, citing moral reasons. This development follows the donation scandal at the Ram Temple, where significant offerings and valuables worth hundreds of crores were allegedly diverted by temple personnel in collusion with bank officials.
The Trust is responsible for supervising daily activities and managing devotees’ offerings to Lord Ram, highlighting the need to hold individuals accountable for the serious misconduct that occurred at the temple. The resignations coincide with increased scrutiny and calls for the removal of officials following a preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that identified deficiencies in handling donations made by worshippers at the Ram Temple.
Recently, an FIR was filed against eight individuals, including temple staff, counting personnel, and former bank employees, accused of conspiring to embezzle temple funds. All the accused mentioned in the FIR have been apprehended and detained. Despite the legal actions taken, concerns persist among those seeking answers regarding the alleged embezzlement. Questions have been raised about why only lower-ranking individuals have faced consequences while higher-ranking officials have escaped scrutiny.
On June 14, in response to a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Trust, the state government had set up a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the reported financial irregularities in donations at the temple.
