Purnima Kothari, sister of slain karsevaks Ram Kumar Kothari and Sharad Kothari — who were killed in the Ayodhya firing of 1990 — on Friday defended Champat Rai's resignation as General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, saying he stepped down out of moral conscience and not guilt. Speaking from Kolkata, she praised Rai's lifelong dedication to the Ram Temple movement.

Why Rai and Mishra Resigned

Champat Rai, along with Trust member Anil Mishra, stepped down from their respective positions days after allegations of financial misappropriation at the Ram Temple triggered a national controversy. The resignations came amid mounting scrutiny over the alleged embezzlement of donated funds.

Purnima Kothari said: 'Perhaps he has taken this decision while listening to his inner conscience and taking moral responsibility, since he held a very important position in the Trust.'

Kothari Defends Champat Rai's Character

Kothari, who said she has known Champat Rai for over 15 years and visits him regularly during her trips to Ayodhya, was emphatic in her defence. 'He has dedicated his life to the Ram Mandir. He had taken care of the court case as well. He played a major role in the creation of the Ram Temple, fighting against those who questioned the existence of Lord Ram,' she said.

She added that allegations against someone who 'led his life as a saint' caused her personal anguish. 'He had led his life through so many struggles, this money is nothing for him,' she said, asserting that the charges were inconsistent with the man she had known.

Conspiracy Allegations Over Fund Misappropriation

Kothari did not stop at defending Rai — she went further, alleging that a deliberate conspiracy may be behind the embezzlement claims. 'I think, there is a conspiracy by someone who did not want to see the Ram Mandir,' she said, suggesting that individuals opposed to the temple may have 'planted their own person inside' the Trust's operations.

She acknowledged the logistical challenge of vetting the thousands of workers and devotees who pass through the temple daily. 'Even if a person from another faith goes inside wearing a tika and a kalava, no one is keeping a tab,' she noted, pointing to what she described as inherent security limitations.

Faith in PM Modi, CM Yogi and the Trust

Kothari expressed full confidence in the Trust's office bearers, crediting them for both winning the landmark Supreme Court case and overseeing the temple's construction. She also invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying both had personally kept oversight of the temple.

'Therefore, they will take action against those found guilty, no one will be spared,' she added, signalling confidence that accountability would follow.

The controversy surrounding the Ram Mandir Trust is likely to intensify as calls for an independent audit grow louder across political circles.