Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust treasurer Govind Giri has stated that he had no role in the daily collection of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, distancing himself from the recent embezzlement controversy. Speaking to the media on July 5, 2026, Giri said, "My responsibility was limited to overseeing the trust's accounts and financial records, not the day-to-day collection of offerings from devotees."
Embezzlement Allegations Surface
The trust has been under scrutiny after reports emerged that a significant portion of the daily donations—amounting to crores of rupees—may have been misappropriated. Sources indicate that the temple receives an estimated ₹5-6 crore per month in cash and kind from pilgrims. However, discrepancies in the recorded amounts have raised suspicions. An internal audit is reportedly underway to trace the missing funds.
Giri's Defense and Accountability Questions
Giri, a senior figure in the trust, argued that the collection process was handled by a separate team of volunteers and temple staff. "I never handled the cash boxes or counted the offerings. My job was to verify the monthly statements submitted by the collection team," he explained. However, many believe that as treasurer, Giri cannot be absolved of overall accountability. "The treasurer is ultimately responsible for all financial transactions. Claiming ignorance of daily operations does not excuse him from oversight," said a former trust official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Trust's Response and Investigation
The trust has not officially commented on the allegations, but sources confirm that an external auditor has been appointed to review all records from the past two years. The Uttar Pradesh government has also taken note of the issue. A senior state official stated, "We are monitoring the situation. If any wrongdoing is found, strict action will be taken against those involved." The temple management has assured devotees that the matter will be resolved transparently.
Broader Implications for Temple Administration
The controversy has sparked a debate about the management of funds at major religious sites across India. Devotees have expressed concern over the lack of transparency in donation handling. "We give with faith, but we expect the money to be used for the temple's development and charity, not to line pockets," said a pilgrim from Lucknow. The Ram Mandir, which opened to the public in January 2024, has seen millions of visitors, making financial oversight a critical issue.
