Ram Temple Trust accepts resignation of Champat Rai, Anil Mishra

A view of the Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya Dwara from the Ram Mandir during a meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust following the alleged misappropriation of offerings from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on July 6, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday accepted the resignation of its general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra in the wake of allegations of misappropriation of temple donations and appointed Krishna Mohan as acting general secretary.

The temple trust held a meeting presided over by its president Gopal Das Maharaj at a guest house inside the Ram Janmabhoomi complex.

“General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra resigned on moral grounds following the preliminary report of the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The trust accepted the resignation. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust organized a meeting to address the allegations regarding financial irregularities and possible misappropriation of donations and offerings as part of a discussion on internal control and governance of the trust. This situation called for a statement from the trust’s internal management.

The trust said it completed construction of the Ram Temple in less than six years after it was established in 2020, adding: “The trustees were deeply concerned about the reported embezzlement. What really worries us is the environment that has emerged. It is our duty to reflect on this situation.”

It also created a three-member committee to select the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The members of the committee are Justice (retired) Pramod Kohli, Vishnukant Chaturvedi and Suresh Havde.

A special committee was also formed to suggest further measures aimed at preventing the recurrence of any wrongdoing and said that further decisions regarding appointments and structural reforms would be taken after the final report of the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The trust described the theft as a serious crime and said it was fully cooperating with the investigation and wanted all individuals responsible to be brought to justice. It claimed that some individuals are trying to take advantage of the situation and indulge in propaganda.

The trust said it has received ₹3,264 crore through donations and contributions since its inception, of which ₹2,370 crore was spent on construction and related works. He added that the offerings received till March 31, 2026 were ₹582 crore, of which ₹391 crore was spent on temple operations while the remaining amount was deposited in banks. She further stated that her financial details were regularly disclosed to the media.

Published – 06 Jul 2026 19:19 IST