Ram Temple Donation Theft: Champat Rai Breaks Silence on Aaj Ki Baat
In a special episode of Aaj Ki Baat aired on July 7, 2026, Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, addressed the recent theft of donation boxes at the under-construction Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, led to the loss of several lakh rupees collected from devotees. Rai confirmed that the trust has already recovered a significant portion of the stolen amount and has implemented enhanced security measures to prevent future occurrences.
Details of the Theft and Police Response
According to reports, the theft took place in the early hours of July 5, when unidentified individuals broke into the donation collection area and made off with three donation boxes. The Uttar Pradesh Police quickly launched an investigation, and by July 6, two suspects were arrested in connection with the crime. Police recovered approximately Rs 2.5 lakh of the stolen cash, along with some gold and silver ornaments donated by devotees. The remaining amount is still being traced. Speaking on the show, Rai expressed gratitude to the police for their swift action and assured the public that the trust is taking all necessary steps to safeguard donations.
Security Upgrades at Temple Site
In the wake of the theft, the trust has decided to install additional CCTV cameras and deploy more security personnel around the donation counters. Rai stated, "We are deeply saddened by this incident, but we have learned from it. We are now implementing a multi-layer security system, including round-the-clock monitoring of donation areas. Devotees' contributions are sacred, and we will ensure they are protected." He also appealed to devotees to continue their support, emphasizing that the temple construction is on track and expected to be completed by January 2027.
Impact on Temple Construction and Devotee Trust
The theft has raised concerns among devotees about the safety of their offerings. However, Rai reassured that the trust is working tirelessly to maintain transparency. He highlighted that all donations are digitally recorded, and the trust publishes regular financial reports. "Our commitment to transparency is unwavering," he said. The incident has not deterred the flow of donations, with many devotees expressing solidarity on social media. The trust has also set up a dedicated helpline for donors to report any irregularities.
Champat Rai's Full Statement on Aaj Ki Baat
During the interview, Champat Rai also discussed the broader progress of the temple. He revealed that the temple's sanctum sanctorum is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the idol consecration ceremony planned for January 2027. He thanked the millions of devotees who have contributed to the temple fund, which has already crossed Rs 4,000 crore. The trust has also launched a new online donation portal with enhanced security features. Rai concluded by saying, "The Ram Temple is a symbol of our faith, and no criminal act can shake our resolve. We will continue to build this temple with the blessings of Lord Ram and the support of every devotee."
