Ram Mandir Donation Scam Leads to Leadership Change at Trust
The Ram Mandir Trust has accepted Champat Rai's resignation following the donation scam, appointed Bajrang Bagra as the new General Secretary, and assured devotees that valuables remain completely secure.
Trust Accepts Resignations After Donation Scam
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has officially accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra during its key meeting held on Monday. Following the decision, Bajrang Bagra has been appointed as the Trust’s new General Secretary.
Both leaders had stepped down earlier, taking moral responsibility after allegations surfaced regarding the misuse of donation funds received at the Ram Mandir. Their resignations have now been formally approved by the Trust.
Investigation Reveals Major Financial Irregularities
The donation scam has triggered a large-scale police investigation. Authorities have already arrested eight people, including Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, who reportedly worked as Champat Rai’s close aide and driver. During the investigation, police recovered nearly Rs 80 lakh in cash from the homes of the accused.
According to reports, Champat Rai expressed disappointment, saying that Tinnu Yadav had betrayed the trust placed in him and allegedly misused that confidence to carry out the fraud.
SIT Probe Uncovers Internal Theft
The controversy intensified after leaders of the Samajwadi Party alleged that nearly Rs 7 crore to Rs 7.5 crore in temple donations had been misappropriated. Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a Special Investigation Team submitted its preliminary findings.
Investigators found that despite the presence of CCTV cameras inside the temple premises, employees responsible for counting donation money were allegedly involved in stealing the funds, exposing serious lapses in the handling of contributions.
Trust Reassures Devotees
The Ram Mandir Trust said it was deeply saddened by the donation theft case but assured devotees that silver bricks, jewellery, and other valuable offerings made directly by devotees remain completely safe. The Trust stated that detailed records of these valuables have been properly maintained and pledged that everyone found guilty would face strict legal action.
