Former Ram temple trust chief Champat Rai on Tuesday stated he would address all allegations of donation embezzlement only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report. In a handwritten letter to “Ram devotees”, Rai described the accusations as “baseless” and said he has maintained silence over the matter.
SIT Preliminary Report Presented to Trust
Rai noted that the SIT’s preliminary report, initially marked “top secret”, has now been made public and was presented before the trust’s general meeting. He emphasized that he would respond point by point to the issues raised once the final report is submitted, assuring that “the entire truth” would come before the public.
The alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple came to light on June 7. An FIR was registered on June 25 based on the preliminary report submitted by the SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government. Eight individuals associated with the temple’s donation-counting process have been arrested so far, and the investigation continues.
Rai’s Background and Response
Referring to his long association with the temple movement, Rai said he has been working in Ayodhya since October 1991 after being deputed by his organisation. He described his 45-year-long life as a full-time pracharak as “an open book”.
The Ram temple trust met on Monday to choose trustee Krishna Mohan as interim general secretary and promised to overhaul the donation system to restore devotees’ faith. Treasurer Govind Giri described the theft from the temple’s donation boxes as a matter of “deep pain and embarrassment” for the trust.
Trust Defends Rai’s Contribution
Despite accepting Rai’s resignation, the trust unanimously appreciated his contribution to the Ram temple movement and construction. Defending Rai, Giri said he “is untainted in my eyes” and hailed his “life of sacrifice” for the Ram temple movement, while suggesting that his only mistake may have been placing trust in the wrong people.
