Ayodhya Ram temple trust to hold first key meeting amid donation embezzlement probe

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will hold a crucial meeting at the Ram temple complex in Ayodhya at 3 pm on Monday amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of temple donations.

The meeting, the trust's most significant since its formation in 2020, is expected to focus on the probe and proposed governance reforms.

The meeting will be chaired by Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and attended by senior trustees, government representatives and legal experts.

Champat Rai and Anil Mishra resignations to be discussed

One of the key agenda items will be the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra.

Both senior Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders stepped down last month, citing moral responsibility after questions were raised over financial oversight. Although neither has been named as an accused in the FIR, both have been questioned by investigators.

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But the resignations cannot be accepted immediately under existing bylaws. The trust is expected to issue show-cause notices to both leaders, seeking detailed explanations before deciding on their future.

Donation theft probe gathers pace

The meeting will also review the progress of investigations by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Ayodhya police into the alleged multi-crore donation theft.

An FIR filed on June 25 names eight people involved in collecting and counting temple donations. All eight have been arrested, and investigators have recovered around Rs 80 lakh in cash, along with gold, silver and foreign currency.

The SIT's preliminary findings have reportedly identified major lapses in the donation-counting process, including the failure to follow mandatory security protocols.

Structural reforms likely

The trust is also expected to discuss measures to strengthen its administration.

Among the proposals is the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), likely a retired IAS officer, to oversee the temple's day-to-day operations. However, the move would require amendments to the trust's bylaws.

With the resignations of Rai and Mishra and another trustee's seat lying vacant following a recent death, the meeting is also expected to address leadership changes.

Ahead of the meeting, Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri reassured devotees that all donated valuables, including jewellery and silver, remain secure, audited and fully accounted for.