Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust accepts Champat Rai's resignation, names interim chief amid donation scam
Synopsis
The Ram Temple Trust's emergency meeting ended with two high-profile resignations, a new interim chief, and a flat denial that artefacts are missing — but the bigger story is a systematic theft spanning years, eight arrests, and a ₹3,264-crore institution now scrambling to rebuild public trust before its next board meeting on 22 July.
Key Takeaways
Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned on 7 July 2026 ; both resignations were accepted at an emergency Trust meeting in Ayodhya .
Retired IFS officer Krishna Mohan appointed interim General Secretary to manage day-to-day operations of the Ram Temple .
Trust Treasurer Govind Dev Giri called the theft 'shameful' and confirmed all 2,800 artefacts are accounted for.
An FIR was registered on 25 June 2026 ; eight individuals arrested, including Trust employees and a retired bank official.
The Trust has received ₹3,264 crore in donations and corpus; ₹2,370 crore spent on construction and capital expenditure.
Next Trust meeting scheduled for 22 July 2026 to review SIT findings and finalise administrative reforms.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday, 7 July 2026, accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra at an extended emergency meeting in Ayodhya, appointing retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Krishna Mohan as interim General Secretary to oversee day-to-day operations of the Ram Temple. The decisions come in the direct aftermath of an alleged donations embezzlement scandal that has rattled one of India's most revered religious institutions.
Key Decisions at the Emergency Meeting
Trust Treasurer Govind Dev Giri addressed a press conference following the meeting, describing the theft of offerings as 'shameful' and pledging accountability and administrative reforms. He confirmed that Champat Rai chose to step down voluntarily, reasoning that it would be inappropriate for him to continue in office until those accused in the theft case were arrested and punished.
Citing the Trust's constitution, Govind Dev Giri noted that senior trustee K. Parasaran clarified that the governing charter mandates immediate acceptance of an office-bearer's resignation upon submission. On that basis, both Champat Rai's and Anil Mishra's resignations were formally accepted. Govind Dev Giri also acknowledged Champat Rai's foundational role in the Trust from its inception through the temple's construction and consecration.
All Artefacts Accounted For, Trust Asserts
Addressing concerns circulating on social media about missing religious artefacts, Govind Dev Giri stated that such claims are 'misleading and far from reality.' The Trust, he said, maintains a duly registered inventory of approximately 2,800 religious and historical artefacts, including the Ramayan and Charan Paduka (sacred footwear). Officials emphasised that all items remain safe and accounted for.
The Scandal: How It Unfolded
The controversy first surfaced prominently in June 2026 when discrepancies in donation counting came to light. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government conducted a preliminary probe and recommended action. On 25 June 2026, an FIR was registered at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station based on a complaint filed by Krishna Mohan — the same officer now appointed interim General Secretary.
The FIR named eight individuals, including Tinnu Yadav (also known as Ramashankar Yadav), reportedly Champat Rai's driver, along with Trust employees Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, and Ramashankar Mishra, and retired bank official Subhash Srivastava. All eight were subsequently arrested. Investigations reportedly revealed a systematic pattern of theft involving cash, gold, silver, and other offerings, with money trails traced across multiple banks over several years.
According to reports, thefts may have begun as early as 2021. Former accounts in-charge Mahipal Singh, described as a whistleblower, allegedly claimed he had alerted officials — including Champat Rai — but was sidelined. No criminal case has been registered against Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, or other senior Trust functionaries as of the time of writing.
Trust Finances: What the Numbers Show
The Trust stated that of the ₹3,264 crore received through donations and corpus contributions, ₹2,370 crore has been spent on temple construction and capital expenditure. Separately, ₹582 crore was received as offerings up to 31 March 2026, of which ₹391 crore was used for operational expenses, with the balance held in bank accounts. The Trust cited annual audits and verifications to assert financial transparency.
What Comes Next
The Trust is scheduled to meet again on 22 July 2026, where it will deliberate on the SIT findings, expected to be submitted by then. Officials announced a comprehensive administrative review, including the possible appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and strengthened protocols for handling donations. The SIT probe continues, with the possibility of further arrests or charges if additional evidence emerges. The meeting was chaired by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and attended by trustees including Vishwaprasannatirth and Swami Parmanand Giri.
The coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether the Trust's reform commitments translate into structural change — or remain a response to public pressure.
Point of View
264 crore in public donations with limited independent oversight. The fact that a whistleblower reportedly flagged the theft as early as 2021 and was allegedly sidelined points to a systemic accountability failure, not just individual misconduct. Appointing the same officer who filed the FIR as interim chief is a bold signal of intent, but the Trust's credibility will ultimately rest on whether the promised CEO appointment, digital donation tracking, and SIT findings produce structural reform — or quietly fade after the news cycle moves on. The Ram Temple's symbolic weight makes the cost of a second scandal incalculable.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Champat Rai resign from the Ram Temple Trust?
Champat Rai resigned voluntarily on moral grounds, stating it would be inappropriate for him to remain as General Secretary until those accused in the donation theft case were arrested and punished. No criminal case has been registered against him as of 7 July 2026.
Who is Krishna Mohan, the new interim General Secretary of the Ram Temple Trust?
Krishna Mohan is a retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer who was recently inducted as a trustee. He had earlier filed the complaint on which the FIR against eight accused was registered on 25 June 2026, triggering the police probe into the donation embezzlement.
What exactly was stolen from the Ram Temple, and are any artefacts missing?
Investigations reportedly revealed systematic theft of cash, gold, silver, and other devotee offerings, with money trails traced across multiple banks over several years. The Trust has firmly denied claims of missing artefacts, stating all approximately 2,800 registered religious and historical items are accounted for.
Who are the eight people arrested in the Ram Temple donation theft case?
The FIR registered on 25 June 2026 named eight individuals: Tinnu Yadav (Ramashankar Yadav), Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra — all Trust employees — and retired bank official Subhash Srivastava. All eight were arrested following swift police action.
What happens next in the Ram Temple Trust donation scam investigation?
The SIT appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government is continuing its probe, with its findings expected to be submitted before the Trust's next meeting on 22 July 2026. Officials have also announced a comprehensive administrative review, a possible CEO appointment, and stronger donation-handling protocols to prevent future breaches.
