The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is expected to seek formal explanations from General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra as investigations into the alleged embezzlement of Ram Mandir donations gather pace.
The Trust is set to issue show-cause notices to Champat Rai and Anil Mishra at its meeting on July 6. Both had resigned after the controversy surfaced. Before deciding on their resignations or any disciplinary action, the Trust will seek written and oral explanations from them.
According to the Trust’s bylaws, no office-bearer can be removed, nor can a resignation be accepted, without first giving the individual an opportunity to explain. Any decision would also need the mandated majority of trustees.
SIT questions senior Trust officials
The move comes as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) stepped up its probe, questioning Rai, Mishra and temple official Gopal Rao for around four hours during its latest visit to Ayodhya.
In contrast to earlier rounds, investigators questioned all three together in an effort to decipher the sequence of events, determine how the alleged irregularities continued over time and establish each individual’s role, according to sources.
The SIT also confiscated audit-related documents and asked for detailed financial records covering the past five years. Reports said several responses did not fully satisfy investigators, prompting the probe to be widened.
Police additionally examined the process of collecting and counting donations at the Ram Mandir complex and seized CCTV footage from the premises.
The role of bank employees is also under scrutiny. Investigators have engaged a chartered accountant to examine the Trust’s financial records.
The Uttar Pradesh government has granted the SIT another 15 days to complete its investigation.
Eight arrested as probe expands
Police have so far arrested eight people linked to the counting and handling of temple donations. During the investigation, officials said they recovered cash, gold, silver and foreign currency.
On Friday, investigators continued questioning accused Avinash Shukla at the Special Operations Group (SOG) office in Ayodhya. Shukla, who was associated with counting temple offerings, was produced before a court on Thursday and remanded to 24-hour police custody.
Earlier, on June 28, an SIT team visited his residence in Ayodhya as part of the investigation.
An FIR was registered on June 25 under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61 and 3(5).
Neither Champat Rai nor Anil Mishra has been named in the FIR.
Vinay Katiyar says Trust officials could face jail
Separately, BJP leader and Bajrang Dal founder Vinay Katiyar claimed that Champat Rai, Gopal Rao and Anil Mishra could be jailed in connection with the case.
“It is clear that money has been siphoned off. I spoke to Modi ji over this matter,” Katiyar told ANI.
He claimed the Prime Minister had asked him what could happen next, adding that he had assured him the situation would be resolved.
Katiyar also referred to the SIT’s 15-day extension and said the investigation was still underway.
How the controversy unfolded
The controversy surfaced on June 7 after allegations of irregularities in temple donations emerged.
Former Samajwadi Party MLA Pawan Pandey alleged that between ₹7 crore and ₹7.5 crore in donations had been misappropriated from the temple. The allegation remains under investigation.
An FIR was lodged on June 25 against eight people, including Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Tinnu Yadav and Manish Yadav, among others.
On June 29, an Ayodhya court remanded all the accused to 14-day judicial custody.
Champat Rai and Anil Mishra later resigned, taking what was described as moral responsibility for the controversy. Police have recorded Rai’s statement, while Mishra may also be questioned if required.
Trust meeting on July 6
The Trust’s July 6 meeting is expected to consider the SIT’s recommendations submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government last month.
Trust chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das is unlikely to attend as he remains hospitalised.
Sources also said Champat Rai has told close associates that he does not wish to continue under the “stigma” of the controversy and believes his “service in Ayodhya is complete”.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has maintained that it is committed to a fair investigation while preserving the faith of devotees.