Ram Mandir donation row: ‘Exercise patience in times of crisis,’ says Champat Rai; will wait for final SIT report

Invoking the timeless wisdom of the Ramcharitmanas—”Dheeraj, dharma, mitra aru naari, aapad kaal parikhiye chari” (“patience, righteousness, friendship and one’s spouse are tested in times of adversity”)—while sharing a letter addressed to office-bearers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai said he would continue to maintain silence until the Special Investigation Team (SIT) completes its investigation into the alleged donation box theft at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir premises and its final report is made public.

In a letter addressed to devotees of Prabhu Ram, Rai said that since April 10, 2026—the day of the alleged theft of a donation box (daanpatra) at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir premises—various rumours had been circulating and several “baseless allegations” had been made against him.

He stated that he had maintained “complete silence” throughout the controversy.

Referring to the SIT’s review meeting held on Monday, Rai said the investigation team had presented its preliminary report, which has not yet been made public. He noted that while it was only a first-stage report, he believed that once the SIT completed its investigation, “all those who have spread false allegations should honestly introspect and publicly accept the truth when it comes before everyone.”

Rai also referred to his long public life, stating that he had been sent to Ayodhya by the organisation in 1991 and that his 45 years of public service had remained “an open book”, adding that society was fully aware of his public record.

The letter, signed by Champat Rai and dated July 6, 2026, from Ayodhya, comes amid the continuing investigation into the alleged donation box theft and the wider scrutiny surrounding the Trust. Rai, who has resigned as the Trust’s General Secretary, indicated that he would refrain from making further public comments until the SIT’s final findings are released.