SIT Report Alleges Champat Rai Ignored Complaints
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) report has questioned the role of Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, in the alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The report, submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government, claims that Rai not only overlooked irregularities but also ignored complaints about missing funds.
The SIT was formed after allegations surfaced that crores of rupees in donations were misappropriated during the temple construction. According to the report, Rai failed to act on multiple complaints regarding the theft, which occurred between 2020 and 2024.
Key Findings: Oversight and Negligence
The SIT report highlights that Rai, as a top official of the trust, had direct responsibility for overseeing donation collections. However, the team found evidence of negligence. "The accused individuals exploited the lack of oversight, and complaints were deliberately buried," the report states.
One of the key findings is that over Rs 2.5 crore in donations went missing from collection boxes installed at various locations. The SIT has named several trust employees and contractors in its chargesheet, but Rai's role remains under scrutiny for failing to prevent the theft.
Champat Rai's Defense and Trust's Response
Champat Rai has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the trust maintained proper accounts and that the SIT's allegations are baseless. "We have full faith in the judicial process. The trust has always been transparent," Rai said in a statement.
The trust has also defended Rai, calling him a dedicated servant of Lord Ram. However, opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh have demanded Rai's immediate removal from the trust, citing the SIT report as evidence of corruption.
Political Fallout and Next Steps
The report has sparked a political controversy in Uttar Pradesh, with the Samajwadi Party and Congress accusing the BJP-led state government of shielding Rai. The opposition has called for a thorough investigation and possible legal action against all those involved.
The Uttar Pradesh government has not yet commented on the SIT report, but sources indicate that a detailed review is underway. The trust, meanwhile, has announced an internal audit to address the allegations.
Impact on Ram Temple Construction
The donation theft case has raised concerns about the financial management of the Ram Temple project, which is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 1,100 crore. The temple trust has collected over Rs 3,500 crore in donations since 2020. While the stolen amount is a fraction of the total, the SIT report has dented the trust's credibility.
Experts say the case could lead to stricter monitoring of donation collections at religious sites across India. The SIT has recommended that all temple trusts implement digital tracking systems for donations to prevent similar incidents.
