Ram Temple trust confirms Champat Rai, Anil Mishra resignations, says silver bricks, other offerings ‘accounted for’

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra (Trust), Ayodhya on Saturday said that silver bricks, ornaments, and other offerings to Lord Ram are “safe, secure, and properly accounted for.”

In a statement, Swami Govinddev Giri, Treasurer, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said that those serving at the temple are committed to ensuring a “fair investigation” into the alleged donation theft and restoring the confidence of devotees.

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“We are deeply shocked, hurt, and extremely saddened by the incidents that have come to light at the Shri Ram Temple (Ayodhya) over the past few days. As those serving here on behalf of all Ram devotees and volunteers, we are committed to ensuring a fair investigation and restoring the confidence of devotees, Swami Govinddev Giri said.

He also confirmed receiving resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai, and Trustee Anil Mishra, saying they will considered during the next meeting.

“The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra (Trust) has received the resignations of its General Secretary, Shri Champat Rai, and Trustee Shri Anil Mishra. The Trust will consider these resignations at its next meeting,” the statement read.

The Trust further assured all devotees who have personally entrusted silver bricks, ornaments, or other offerings to the Trust’s officials for service to Lord Ram that all such items are safe, secure, and properly accounted for.

“With regard to the matter concerning the money collected through the temple’s donation boxes, the Trust, based on the interim report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government at its request, has initiated the registration of an FIR. Legal proceedings in the matter are underway,” it noted.

The Treasurer further assured that every effort will be made to ensure such “unfortunate situation” doesn’t arise again in the future.

“We will continue to pursue strict legal action so that those responsible receive appropriate punishment,” the statement added.

Swami Govinddev Giri asserted that the Trust will “not allow anti-social, irreligious, and self-serving elements to succeed in their attempts to malign Sanatan Dharma.”

“We request everyone not to believe or spread misleading and baseless rumours and to prevent others from falling victim to them,” the statement added.

This comes after the Uttar Pradesh police filed an FIR against eight people in connection with the alleged donation theft at Ram Temple.

Tinnu Yadav, an associate of Champat Rai, was also among those booked.