Ram Temple trust confirms Champat Rai's resignation amid donation funds row

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has confirmed that its general secretary, Champat Rai, and a trustee, Anil Mishra, have submitted their resignations. This move comes in the wake of allegations concerning irregularities in the collection of donations for the Ram Temple, a controversy that has escalated significantly.

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Resignations have been received from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Shri Champat Rai Ji and trustee Shri Anil Mishra Ji. The Trust will consider this in its upcoming meeting.

The trust stated that it would consider these resignations at an upcoming meeting. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), to which Rai also holds a vice-presidency, indicated that this meeting is scheduled for July 7. VHP chief Alok Kumar confirmed that Rai and Mishra offered their resignations to the trust's president and treasurer, accepting moral responsibility for the donation row.

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It is true that they [Rai and Mishra] submitted their resignations to the president and the treasurer of the trust, taking moral responsibility for the Ram Temple donation row. The trust will address the issue at its July 7 meeting.

This development follows the arrest of eight individuals, including an aide to Rai and two relatives of Mishra, in connection with the temple management. Police also reported seizing approximately ₹80 lakh in cash from the homes of those arrested.

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We are shocked, hurt and deeply saddened by the incidents reported over the past few days… We assure everyone that we will take measures to prevent any such unfortunate situation from arising in the future.

In an effort to restore confidence, the trust issued a statement expressing shock and sadness over the recent events. It pledged to implement measures to prevent future issues and assured devotees that the temple's sanctity remains intact. The trust urged the public to disregard rumors and misinformation, emphasizing that such attempts could not undermine Sanatan Dharma, the temple, or the faith of millions. They also reassured devotees that items like silver bricks and jewelry handed over personally are safe and properly accounted for.

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We assure everyone that no irreparable damage has occurred to the sanctity of the temple. We request all devotees not to be misled by rumours, misinformation or false propaganda. Such attempts cannot shake Sanatan Dharma, the temple or the faith of millions of devotees.