The trustees of the newly inaugurated Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya announced a leadership overhaul after allegations that a significant amount of donation money was stolen from the temple’s collection boxes.
General secretary Champat Rai stepped down, and the trust named retired forest officer Krishna Mohan as interim general secretary. Mohan, a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, said he would “identify and close any loophole” to prevent future fraud and restore devotees’ confidence.
The trust, which has collected 5.82 bn rupees (≈ $61 m) from visitors and has spent 3.19 bn rupees (≈ $33 m) on maintenance, said police had registered a theft case and were questioning eight suspects. A Special Investigation Team had already produced an interim report, prompting the trust’s decision to resign two senior officials.
Former accounts supervisor D. K. Dutta, who claimed he was dismissed after exposing alleged wrongdoing, sparked a regional political debate. Opposition parties pressed for a state‑high‑court‑or‑federal‑police‑led investigation.
The trust’s treasurer Govind Dev Giri emphasized the lack of knowledge on how much money disappeared but demanded strict action against those involved. He said the temple’s main concern was protecting the faith and image of devotees rather than the financial figures.
A follow‑up board meeting is scheduled for 22 July, when police will submit a final report. The modifications aim to improve transparency and rebuild trust among the 50 million annual pilgrims who visit the holy site founded in January 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, replacing the 16th‑century mosque that was demolished in 1992.
