The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is scheduled to convene on Monday, July 6, at Mani Ramdas Chavni in Ayodhya to deliberate on the preliminary report of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple, along with the resignations of key trustees and the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to manage temple affairs.
Meeting Agenda and Key Discussions
According to the agenda obtained by PTI, the meeting will commence at 3 pm. The first of five agenda points is a discussion on the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra. Both, along with special invitee Gopal Rao, have been under scrutiny since the donation theft came to light. Sources confirmed that the appointment of a CEO for the Ram Temple will also be discussed.
Officials confirmed on Saturday that the resignations of Rai and Mishra are a primary focus. The meeting occurs amid two parallel investigations: one by the SIT, whose tenure has been extended until the end of July, and another by the police. Both investigative bodies have recorded statements from the three senior trust officials. However, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against them yet.
Legal and Financial Matters
Lawyers from the Faizabad Bar Association have submitted a written complaint to the police, seeking an FIR against Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao. The other agenda items include a review of the unaudited income-expenses statement and balance sheet for the financial year 2025-26, along with other financial details and their approval. The agenda was issued by treasurer Govind Dev Giri.
Trust Chief's Health and Arrests
Trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, who attended previous meetings virtually due to age-related issues, is currently unwell and recovering at a hospital in Lucknow. A medical bulletin on Friday stated he is expected to be discharged in two to three days. Mani Ramdas Chavni is the ashram of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das.
Eight individuals named in an FIR filed following the SIT's preliminary report have been arrested. They were initially remanded to 14-day judicial custody until July 23. However, police later obtained custody remand of Avinash Shukla, a key accused, citing the recovery of important evidence linked to the donation theft from his residence in Ayodhya.
