Champat Rai, a key figure in the Ram Temple construction trust, has told Uttar Pradesh police that he donated Rs 10 lakh of the stolen temple donation money to charity. According to sources, Rai made the statement during questioning on Tuesday, claiming that the money was a personal donation and not part of the temple funds.
Details of the Statement
Rai, who is the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, was arrested on June 28 in connection with the theft of Rs 35 lakh in donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. During his interrogation, he stated that he had given Rs 10 lakh to a charitable organization in Varanasi. He did not name the charity but said the donation was made in cash.
Police officials said that Rai's claim is being verified. They are checking financial records and speaking to the alleged charity to confirm the transaction. The police are also investigating whether the money was indeed personal or part of the stolen temple funds.
The Theft Case
The case came to light after a complaint by a temple volunteer, who alleged that Rai and two others had misappropriated donation money collected during a religious event in Ayodhya in March. The police registered a case under sections of theft and criminal breach of trust. Rai was arrested along with two accomplices, who have also been questioned.
The total amount stolen is Rs 35 lakh, of which only Rs 5 lakh has been recovered so far. The police are trying to trace the remaining Rs 20 lakh. Rai's statement about the Rs 10 lakh donation is seen as an attempt to explain part of the missing money.
Impact and Reactions
The development has raised questions about the management of temple funds. The trust has distanced itself from Rai, stating that he was not authorized to handle donations. A trust spokesperson said, "We have full faith in the police investigation. Any wrongdoing will be dealt with strictly."
Meanwhile, political parties have seized on the issue. Opposition leaders have demanded a thorough probe into the temple's finances. The ruling party has called for patience, saying the matter is sub judice.
The case is being closely watched as the Ram Temple is a highly sensitive religious issue in India. The construction of the temple in Ayodhya is a key promise of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
