The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is reportedly preparing to issue show-cause notices to General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra in light of the recent Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case. This decision will be discussed at a significant meeting taking place on July 6. Sources within the Trust state that both Rai and Mishra will be required to provide written and oral explanations regarding the alleged irregularities in donation handling before any further actions are determined concerning their roles within the organisation.

Under the Trust’s bylaws, disciplinary measures, including resignations or removals, cannot proceed without first obtaining explanations from the individuals involved. Any such actions would necessitate a majority vote among the trustees, reinforcing the need for a thorough inquiry.

Ongoing Investigation by Special Investigation Team

As part of the ongoing investigation into the theft of temple donations, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has revisited Ayodhya for further questioning. Rai, Mishra, and temple official Gopal Rao were interrogated for nearly four hours, a shift from previous sessions where individuals were questioned separately. This new approach aims to reconstruct the timeline of events, clarify the nature of the donation irregularities, and ascertain the roles of each individual involved. The SIT’s focus is to gather comprehensive explanations to further the investigation.

Additionally, investigators have seized relevant documents related to the audit of donations and have called for complete financial records spanning the last five years. Sources indicate that numerous questions remain unanswered to the satisfaction of the investigators, prompting them to expand the scope of their probe. The police have also scrutinised the process of cash removal and counting from donation boxes at the Ram Mandir complex, securing CCTV footage as part of their efforts.

Despite Rai and Mishra reportedly resigning in light of the controversy, they have not been named in the FIR associated with the case. Rai has allegedly informed close associates of his intent to step aside from his role, citing the negative implications of the ongoing investigation.

Trust Leadership and Further Developments

The upcoming Trust meeting is also expected to review the recommendations from the SIT, previously submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government last month. Trust chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das is anticipated to be absent from the meeting as he is currently hospitalised, which may affect the proceedings.

In the meantime, the investigation continues to extend its reach. Police have been actively questioning temple officials, employees, private security staff, and those involved in donation counting. The role of bank employees is also being evaluated as the inquiry deepens.

To assist in the financial examination, investigators have engaged a chartered accountant. The issue of donation theft first emerged on June 7, leading to the establishment of an SIT by the Uttar Pradesh government. An FIR was formally registered on June 25 against eight individuals associated with the management of temple donations. All eight suspects have been apprehended, with considerable amounts of cash, gold, silver, and foreign currency recovered as a result of the ongoing investigation.

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