Ayodhya: Former Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday dismissed accusations of embezzling donations to the Ram temple as “baseless” and said he would answer each charge only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) completes its probe. Rai’s statement came a day after the Trust accepted his resignation amid intensified opposition demands for an independent inquiry.
Rai: Will Respond After SIT Report
In a handwritten letter to “Ram devotees”, Rai said he had chosen to remain silent during the investigation and described his public life as “an open book”, asserting that the allegations were without merit. He noted the SIT’s preliminary findings had been presented to the Trust and that a report initially treated as “top secret” was now public. Rai added that “once the SIT submits its final report, he would respond to every allegation individually and ensure that ‘the entire truth’ is placed before the public.”
Trust Removes Rai, Names Interim Secretary
The Trust confirmed Rai and fellow member Anil Mishra ceased to be members after their resignations were accepted at Monday’s meeting. Krishna Mohan, a retired Indian Forest Service officer, was named interim general secretary; the Trust will decide on making the appointment permanent at its next meeting on July 22, Treasurer Govind Dev Giri said. The body also set up a three-member search committee to find a CEO and announced plans to tighten donation-management procedures.
Police Press Probe, Eight Suspects In Custody
Ayodhya police said the probe into the alleged theft of temple donations is active. Investigators are preparing to confront three accused — Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey — using statements taken from five other suspects on July 5. All eight accused, arrested on June 25, remain in judicial custody after being questioned in jail with court permission.
Opposition Seeks Court-Monitored Probe
The controversy has drawn sharp political criticism. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed resignations were meant to “cover up the entire matter and protect the real culprits and big players” and urged dissolution of the Trust in favour of religious leaders and saints. He demanded a probe “independently under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge.”
Congress leader Ashok Gehlot and Aam Aadmi Party leaders echoed calls for stronger, judicially supervised investigations; AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said, “Only FIR is not sufficient.”
UP CM Rejects Charges
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath rejected the opposition’s claims, saying the Trust itself sought an independent inquiry and accusing opponents of trying to “defame Ayodhya” and “attack the faith of millions.” He added the SIT’s preliminary report prompted Trust action and criticised what he called selective targeting of Hindu institutions.
Trust Asserts Donations Intact
Seeking to reassure devotees, the Trust released records of donations from the past three financial years. Treasurer Govind Dev Giri said the Trust holds more than 32 kg of gold-like items and over 1,518 kg of silver and silver-like items, with 2,926 donated articles documented and receipts issued. The Trust showed several items to the media, including a gold Ramcharitmanas, and urged anyone with credible evidence to submit it to the SIT rather than make unverified public allegations.
