Ram Temple donation theft 'distressing', trust chief urges no politics
Synopsis
The Ram Temple donation theft row has reached a critical juncture — the trust president is hospitalised, two senior trustees have resigned, an SIT is probing irregularities, and a pivotal trust meeting on 6 July must navigate a two-thirds quorum requirement to act on those resignations. Mahant Das's appeal against politicisation underscores just how charged the atmosphere has become.
Key Takeaways
Mahant Nritya Gopal Das , Trust President, called the alleged donation theft 'deeply distressing' and demanded the severest punishment for those responsible.
He expressed confidence in PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath to ensure justice, while urging no politicisation of the issue.
A crucial Trust meeting was convened on 6 July 2026 at 3 pm at Mani Ram Das Chhavni, Ayodhya .
Agenda includes consideration of resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Dr Anil Mishra , received on 27 June 2026 .
The SIT interim report on donation-box fund counting is also on the agenda; resignations require a two-thirds majority to be accepted.
Mahant Das is currently hospitalised ; the meeting was called on short notice with his approval.
Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, President of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, on Monday, 6 July 2026, said he was deeply distressed by the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and demanded the severest punishment for those found guilty, while appealing that the matter not be weaponised for political gain. The trust president, currently hospitalised, also expressed full confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to deliver justice.
What the Trust President Said
In a formal statement, Mahant Das said: 'I am deeply distressed by the theft of donations from the temple of Shri Ramlalla Sarkar. Whoever has committed this sin must face the severest possible punishment. I have full faith in the esteemed Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, that they will ensure punishment for anyone involved in this sinful act.'
He added: 'This is a matter concerning the faith of crores of Hindus, and I urge that no one should engage in politics over this for personal gain.'
Key Meeting Called for 6 July
The Trust convened a crucial meeting on 6 July 2026 at 3 pm at Mani Ram Das Chhavni in Ayodhya Dham, Uttar Pradesh. The meeting was called on short notice by Trust Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri with the approval of the hospitalised president. Members were urged to attend in full.
The agenda includes consideration of the resignations of Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Dr Anil Mishra, a briefing on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) interim report on donation-box fund counting, deliberation on future temple management arrangements, and approval of the unaudited income-expenditure statement and balance sheet for financial year 2025-26.
SIT Probe and Resignation Backdrop
The SIT is currently investigating alleged irregularities in the collection and management of temple donations. Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri had formally confirmed on 27 June 2026 that the resignations of both Champat Rai and Dr Anil Mishra had been received by the Trust.
Notably, under the Trust deed, resignations can only be accepted with the support of a two-thirds majority of Trust members. It remains unclear, according to reports, whether the required quorum will be present at the 6 July meeting to reach a final decision.
Political Dimension and Broader Stakes
The alleged donation theft has drawn sharp reactions across political lines, prompting Mahant Das's explicit appeal against politicisation. This comes amid heightened public sensitivity around the Ram Temple — consecrated in January 2024 after decades of legal and political contestation — making any financial irregularity a matter of significant national attention. Opposition parties have reportedly sought accountability, while the Trust has insisted the SIT process be allowed to proceed without interference.
The outcome of the 6 July meeting — particularly on the resignations and the SIT report — is expected to shape the Trust's governance trajectory in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
An SIT probe, a hospitalised president, and a quorum question at a hastily called meeting — these are not the hallmarks of a well-governed public trust. The appeal against politicisation, while understandable, also risks deflecting legitimate accountability questions. The two-thirds threshold for accepting resignations could become a procedural escape hatch if attendance is managed carefully — a dynamic worth watching closely as the SIT's interim findings come into sharper focus.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ram Temple donation theft row about?
The row concerns alleged theft and irregularities in the collection and management of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the matter, and its interim report on donation-box fund counting was on the agenda of the 6 July 2026 Trust meeting.
Who are Champat Rai and Dr Anil Mishra, and why have they resigned?
Champat Rai is the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and Dr Anil Mishra is a Trustee. Both submitted their resignations, which were formally confirmed as received by the Trust on 27 June 2026. The specific reasons behind the resignations have not been publicly detailed by the Trust.
What decisions were expected at the 6 July Trust meeting?
The meeting was called to consider the resignations of Champat Rai and Dr Anil Mishra, receive the SIT's interim report, deliberate on future temple management, and approve the unaudited financial statements for 2025-26. Resignations can only be accepted with a two-thirds majority of Trust members, making quorum a critical factor.
What did Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das say about the theft?
Mahant Das said he was 'deeply distressed' and demanded the 'severest possible punishment' for those responsible. He expressed full confidence in PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath to ensure justice, and urged that the matter — linked to the faith of crores of Hindus — not be politicised for personal gain.
Why does the Ram Temple donation row carry such national significance?
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya was consecrated in January 2024 after decades of legal and political dispute, making it one of India's most symbolically charged religious sites. Any financial irregularity at the temple draws intense public and political scrutiny, which is why the Trust president explicitly appealed against politicisation of the theft allegations.
