Trust Meeting to Decide on Resignations and Probe Update
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to hold a crucial meeting on Monday, with the fate of resignations submitted by general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra expected to be a key agenda item. Trust sources confirmed to PTI that the meeting, taking place at Mani Ram Chhawni in Ayodhya, will also include a briefing on the interim findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement of donations.
Key Participants and Format
Trust president Nritya Gopal Das, currently hospitalized in critical condition, and senior trustee K Parasaran, who cannot travel due to age-related health issues, are likely to participate via video conference. Treasurer Govind Dev Giri has urged all regular and ex officio members to attend. The Trust currently has 11 regular members, including Das, Vasudevanand Saraswati, Vishwaprasannatirth, Parmanand Giri, Giri, Krishna Mohan, Dinendra Das, and Parasaran.
Resignations and Administrative Changes
Champat Rai and Anil Mishra stepped down after being accused in the embezzlement case. If their resignations are accepted, the meeting will consider plans for a new administrative structure. The role of special invitee Gopal Rao is also up for discussion. Sources noted that with the resignations and the recent passing of trustee Bimlendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, the Trust lacks a vice president to preside over meetings in the president's absence.
Financial and Management Updates
An unaudited income and expenditure statement, balance sheet, and other financial details for the 2025-26 fiscal year will be presented for approval. The meeting is also expected to discuss the appointment of a chief executive officer to oversee Ram temple management. Ex officio members include Union government secretary Prashant Lekhande, Uttar Pradesh government secretary Sanjay Prasad, Ayodhya District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi, and former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Nripendra Mishra.
Parallel Investigations Underway
Two parallel investigations are examining the alleged embezzlement. The SIT is conducting an administrative probe, with its tenure extended until end of July. Separately, police are investigating after an FIR was lodged on the Trust's complaint. According to sources, statements from Rai, Mishra, and Rao have been recorded by both teams, but no FIR has been filed against any of the three functionaries yet.
