Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust accepts Champat Rai, Anil Mishra's resignation

The resignation of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra has been accepted, the treasurer of the Trust Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, said on Monday (July 6) at a time when the alleged embezzlement of donations for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has kicked up a storm.

Trust accepts resignations

"... We are all hurt and saddened by this. The magnitude of the theft—whether small or large—is a secondary concern; we are primarily distressed by the very fact that such an atmosphere was allowed to develop here. However, the reality is before us, and it is our duty to reflect upon it. Consequently, even before the scheduled date, we gathered today in a state of deep contemplation and sorrow,” he told reporters following a meeting of the Trust.

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“Given the prevailing circumstances, a critical situation arose: our General Secretary, Champat Rai, and Trustee Anil Ji Mishra submitted their resignations. Champat Rai, serving as General Secretary, was deeply pained; he felt it inappropriate to continue in his role until justice is fully served—meaning the culprits are apprehended and receive appropriate punishment,” added Giri.

On resignation process

Elaborating further, he said that during the meeting, it was pointed out that a resignation from the Trust is considered accepted the moment it is submitted.

“Driven by this sentiment, he tendered his resignation—a matter that was not ours to simply accept or reject. K. Parasaran raised a significant point: under the Trust's constitution, a resignation is deemed accepted the moment it is submitted,” added Giri as quoted by ANI.

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He also said that although it was initially decided to hold the meeting on July 11, it was postponed to Monday.

"It was decided to hold the scheduled Trust meeting—originally set for July 11—as early as possible; consequently, acting on information shared with everyone, we convened it today, July 6. The meeting was attended by the revered Chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji Maharaj, the revered Shankaracharya Ji Maharaj, Yug Purush Parmanand Ji Maharaj, Vishwa Prasanna Tirtha Ji Maharaj of Pejawar, our new trustee Krishna Mohan Ji, and the District Collector of Ayodhya, Shashank Tripathi Ji... Thus, this highly significant meeting, attended by the full quorum, was a lengthy and successful session that brought everyone together,” he said.

Interim arrangement

The Trust has assigned the responsibilities of General Secretary to newly inducted trustee Krishna Mohan until a permanent arrangement is put in place, Giri said.

He said decisions regarding appointments to key administrative positions would be taken at the next meeting after the Trust examines the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

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Krishna Mohan, a retired Indian Forest Service officer from the Maharashtra cadre, hails from Chandrapur village in Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi district. Following his retirement, he has remained engaged in social work. His induction into the Trust also continues Dalit representation after the tenure of former trustee Kameshwar Chaupal.

Trust rejects allegations

Addressing allegations that valuables donated to the Ram Temple had gone missing, Giri dismissed the claims.

"We have brought the register containing records of all these items. We have a register listing around 2,800 donated items, and every one of them is safe," he said as quoted by India Today.

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He further stated that five of the donated articles, which had figured prominently in public discussions, were displayed before the media as samples to demonstrate that the records were intact.

"All donated items are safe," he said.

Next Trust meeting

Giri also announced that the Trust had constituted a small committee to suggest measures for strengthening its administrative system and preventing similar controversies in the future.

"The work we undertake from now on will be carried out in such a manner that no one will be able to point to even the slightest lapse," he said.

He added that appointments of office-bearers and other administrative officials would be considered at the next meeting of the Trust, which has been scheduled for July 22.

"We are meeting again on July 22. By then, the SIT's detailed report should be available. We will deliberate on that report and appoint additional trustees and office-bearers," he said.