Champat Rai Resigns as Ram Temple Trust Chief, Krishna Mohan Named Interim Head

Champat Rai Steps Down as Ram Temple Trust General Secretary; Krishna Mohan Named Interim Chief

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday accepted the resignation of its General Secretary Champat Rai and appointed newly inducted trustee Krishna Mohan as Interim General Secretary, as the organisation sought to restore confidence amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged donation theft case linked to the Ram Mandir.

The decisions were taken during a meeting that lasted more than three hours at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya. The Trust also announced that it would hold another meeting on July 22 to review the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) final report and make fresh appointments to key administrative posts.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Trust treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri said the controversy had deeply affected the organisation.

“We are all hurt and saddened by this. Whether the theft was small or large is secondary. What pains us is that such an atmosphere was allowed to develop here,” he said.

Champat Rai Resigns on Moral Grounds

Govind Giri said Champat Rai had voluntarily stepped down, saying he did not wish to continue as General Secretary until those responsible for the alleged theft were identified and punished.

“Champat Rai was deeply pained. He felt that until the culprits are caught and receive appropriate punishment, it would not be proper for him to continue,” Giri said.

He added that under the Trust’s constitution, a resignation becomes effective immediately upon submission, leaving no scope for acceptance or rejection by the Trust.

Praising Rai’s contribution to the Ram Mandir movement, Giri said the Trust accepted his resignation with respect for his decades of service.

Krishna Mohan Takes Charge

Following Rai’s resignation, the Trust appointed Krishna Mohan as Interim General Secretary until permanent appointments are made after reviewing the SIT’s findings later this month.

A retired Indian Forest Service officer from the Maharashtra cadre, Krishna Mohan hails from Hardoi district in Uttar Pradesh and has been associated with social service since his retirement.

Trust Denies Missing Valuables

Rejecting allegations that valuables donated to the Ram Mandir had gone missing, Trust officials displayed several donated items during the press conference, including a gold Ramayana, symbolic footprints of Lord Ram, a necklace and an idol of Kagbhusundi.

Govind Giri said the Trust maintains a register of around 2,800 donated articles and insisted that every item was accounted for.

“We have brought the register containing records of all these items. All donated items are safe,” he said, adding that the articles displayed were only representative samples.

Administrative Review Ordered

The Trust also constituted a small committee to recommend measures aimed at strengthening administrative systems and preventing similar controversies in the future.

“The work we undertake from now on will be carried out in such a manner that no one will be able to point to even the slightest lapse,” Govind Giri said.

He confirmed that the appointment of new trustees and office-bearers would be considered at the next meeting on July 22 after examining the SIT’s report.

Trust Seeks Swift Action

Reiterating the Trust’s position, Govind Giri called for strict action against those involved in the alleged theft.

“Theft is theft. The SIT is investigating the matter, and we want every accused, including anyone who may still be absconding, to be caught and punished,” he said.

Appealing to devotees not to be influenced by speculation, he invited the public to inspect the Trust’s records.

“If anyone believes something is missing, they are welcome to examine our records themselves. Justice will prevail, the guilty will be punished, and we have full faith in the judicial system,” he said.

The meeting, originally scheduled for July 11, was advanced in the wake of the donation controversy. It came amid an SIT probe into the alleged embezzlement of cash and valuables offered at the Ram Mandir. Several people associated with the counting of donations have already been arrested, and the investigation is expected to culminate in a final report before the Trust’s next meeting on July 22.