Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation Row: Trust Confirms FIR, Resignations
NEW DELHI: The managing body of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on June 26 confirmed that it has received the resignations submitted by General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, days after an alleged donation embezzlement case at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir triggered political and administrative scrutiny.
In an official press release, the trust stated that both resignations have been formally received and will be considered during its next meeting. No decision has yet been taken on whether the resignations will be accepted.
The Trust mentioned in the release that it has expressed shock and deep distress over the recent incidents related to the Shri Ram Temple and assured devotees that it remains committed to ensuring a fair investigation while safeguarding their faith.
“We are shocked, deeply saddened, and profoundly distressed by the incidents that have come to light at the Shri Ram Temple over the past few days. As representatives of all Ram devotees and Ram Sevaks serving here, we are committed to ensuring a fair investigation and reassuring all devotees,” the Trust said.
Seeking to allay concerns among devotees, the Trust categorically stated that all offerings personally handed over to its officials—including silver bricks, jewellery and other valuables—remain safe, secure and fully accounted for.
The clarification comes amid widespread public concern following allegations relating to temple donations.
“The Trust assures all devotees who have personally handed over silver bricks, jewellery, and other offerings to the Trust’s officials for the service of Bhagwan Shri Ram that all such items are safe, secure, and fully accounted for,” the statement said.
Addressing allegations concerning funds collected from the temple’s donation boxes, the Trust said an FIR has already been registered based on the interim findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh Government at the Trust’s request.
According to the Trust, legal proceedings are currently underway, and the matter is being pursued in accordance with the law.
The Trust said it was determined to prevent any recurrence of such incidents and assured devotees that those found responsible would face stringent legal action.
“We assure everyone that every effort will be made to ensure that no such unfortunate situation arises in the future. We will insist that those responsible receive strict punishment in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
The Trust also alleged that “anti-social, irreligious and self-serving elements” were attempting to malign Sanatan Dharma and asserted that such efforts would not be allowed to succeed.
Appealing for restraint, the Trust urged the public not to believe or circulate what it described as misleading and baseless rumours regarding the controversy.
It also requested people to ensure that misinformation is not spread further while the investigation remains in progress.
Expressing confidence in the eventual outcome, the Trust concluded its statement on a note of optimism, saying that truth would ultimately prevail and that devotees’ faith in Lord Shri Ram would remain unshaken despite the present controversy.
The developments come as investigations into the alleged irregularities continue, with the Trust reiterating its commitment to transparency, accountability and protecting the sanctity of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
The controversy stems from an FIR registered after a Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13, submitted its preliminary findings into alleged irregularities in the counting and management of donations received at the Ram Mandir.
The FIR names eight individuals—Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu—along with several unidentified persons.
All eight accused were arrested on June 25 and have been remanded to judicial custody until June 29.
Police have invoked charges relating to theft, criminal breach of trust, receiving or concealing stolen property, criminal conspiracy and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Investigators are continuing to examine the alleged diversion of temple donations. Authorities have not yet disclosed the total amount allegedly misappropriated, stating that the financial audit and investigation remain underway.
According to the SIT’s preliminary report, investigators identified several procedural lapses in the management of temple donations.
Sources familiar with the report have indicated that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing the counting and handling of donations were allegedly violated.
Among the reported lapses were the absence of mandatory security personnel during cash counting, failure to frisk staff entering and leaving counting rooms, and the non-preservation of CCTV footage for the mandatory 180-day period.
These SOPs had reportedly been introduced in 2025 after trust officials suspected irregularities in the donation-counting process and were finalised in consultation with representatives of the State Bank of India.
Investigators are examining whether violations of these procedures created opportunities for the alleged theft of donations.
The Uttar Pradesh government has maintained that the investigation will proceed impartially.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has publicly stated that no individual found guilty of betraying the faith of devotees or misusing temple donations will be spared, irrespective of their position.
With the resignations of two senior office-bearers now before the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, attention has shifted to its upcoming meeting, where a decision on their continuance or acceptance of their resignations is expected.
