Authorities at Ayodhya’s grand Ram Temple announced a leadership overhaul after allegations that tens of millions of rupees received in donations were stolen.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accepted the resignation of General Secretary Champat Rai and appointed interim officers. Retired forest officer Krishna Mohan, a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), was named interim General Secretary.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the state government reviewed the claims. Following an interim report, Ayodhya police registered a case of alleged embezzlement, arresting eight individuals who were being questioned.
According to Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri, the trust collected 5.82 bn rupees (approximately $61 m) from devotees until 31 March 2026, and has expended 3.19 bn rupees ($33 m) on the shrine’s upkeep.
The allegations triggered political backlash: opposition parties demanded a federal police‑monitored investigation, and petitions were filed in the state high court and the Supreme Court.
Giri emphasised that the theft was carried out by those trusted within the organization, describing it as a betrayal. He said the trust’s next meeting will be on 22 July, when the police are expected to submit a final report.
The Indian Express notes that the incident is “deeply painful and shameful.”
