Ram Temple trust to meet amid donation row
Members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will meet on Monday for the first time since reports of large-scale theft of cash and valuables donated to the Ram Temple came to light earlier this year.
The meeting, scheduled for 3 pm at Mani Ramdas Chavni, the Ayodhya ashram of Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, will cover a preliminary SIT report on the theft and a proposal to create a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position to professionalise temple administration.
The five-point agenda, shared by treasurer Govind Dev Giri, also includes the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, a review of the unaudited income-expenditure statement and balance sheet for 2025-26, and approval of other financial matters.
This will be the first time Trust members have met in person since the controversy began. Mahant Nritya Gopal Das is now recovering from illness at a hospital in Lucknow. The 88-year-old spiritual leader, who has led the Trust since it was formed, had attended earlier meetings online because of health issues related to age and is expected to be discharged soon. The Ram Temple, consecrated in January 2024, has attracted massive offerings from devotees in cash, gold, silver, and other valuables.
An SIT, constituted by the UP Government at the request of the Trust itself, submitted a preliminary report that led to an FIR against eight individuals, mostly lower-level staff involved in counting and handling donations. Eight accused have been arrested, and police have recovered approximately `79.85 lakh in cash linked to the alleged embezzlement.
The investigation now covers the Trust’s accounts over the past five years, land deals, hiring practices, and the handling of donations. Investigators believe there may have been systematic siphoning, with some reports saying daily losses reached several lakhs of rupees before the issue was discovered.
The SIT’s term has been extended until the end of July, and police are also investigating. Both the SIT and police have recorded statements from key figures, including Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and special invitee Gopal Rao. No FIR has been filed against senior office-bearers yet, but complaints have been made seeking action. The resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra are expected to be formally discussed and accepted at Monday’s meeting.
The idea of creating a CEO position stems from calls for structural reforms and greater professional oversight of the Trust’s operations. Supporters believe that having a dedicated administrative head with corporate-style accountability could improve financial controls, make donation management more transparent, and protect the Trust from future controversies, all while keeping its spiritual focus.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) described the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and urged strict action against those responsible. They also asked the Hindu community to stay united and not let “anti-Hindu forces” take advantage of the situation. Opposition parties, including Congress, have called for greater accountability and questioned how quickly and thoroughly the investigations are being conducted. They have remained robust.
Trust sources say they remain committed to a transparent investigation and have confirmed that all silver bricks and jewellery donated by pilgrims are accounted for. Monday’s meeting is considered an important step in regaining public trust. Members will discuss the SIT’s initial findings, pending resignations, and long-term plans, such as appointing a CEO, to strengthen the Trust.
As the Trust prepares to meet at the historic Mani Ramdas Chavni, the main focus will be on accountability, reform, and preserving the spirit of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement that led to the temple’s construction. The outcome of these talks could influence how the temple is managed for years to come.
