The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday announced a series of key decisions following a meeting of its trustees in Ayodhya, including the acceptance of the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, while strongly defending its financial transparency and administrative practices amid an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the counting of donations.
In an official press statement issued after the meeting, the trust said it discussed the reported irregularities in the donation counting process, the progress of the investigation, future administrative arrangements, and media reports surrounding the matter. The trustees reiterated their commitment to ensuring accountability and maintaining public confidence in one of India’s most prominent religious institutions.
The trust highlighted the milestones achieved since its formation in 2020, noting that within less than six years it had successfully completed the historic construction of the grand Ram Temple for Shri Ramlalla. During the same period, the trust oversaw the consecration ceremonies of the main temple and surrounding shrines, the installation of the Shri Ram Yantra, and several major religious events conducted according to traditional Vedic practices. It also expressed gratitude to devotees, engineers, artisans, workers, architects, and both the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments for their contribution to the temple project.
Providing details of its finances, the trust stated that it had received ₹3,264 crore through the Nidhi Samarpan campaign and other donations, out of which ₹2,370 crore had been spent on temple construction and capital expenditure. Additionally, it said that donations worth ₹582 crore were received up to March 31, 2026, of which ₹329 crore had been spent on operational expenses, while the remaining funds continue to remain in bank accounts. According to the statement, the trust has periodically disclosed its financial information to the media in the interest of transparency.
Addressing the controversy over alleged irregularities in counting offerings, the trustees said they were deeply concerned by the incident and described it as unfortunate. The trust clarified that immediately after receiving preliminary information, it approached the Uttar Pradesh government and requested an independent investigation. Acting on that request, the state government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a comprehensive and impartial inquiry.
According to the trust, the SIT’s mandate extends beyond identifying those responsible for the alleged irregularities. It has also been asked to recommend improvements in administrative systems and operational procedures to ensure stronger governance and greater transparency in the future.
The trust said the preliminary findings of the SIT identified eight individuals against whom prima facie evidence was found. Based on these findings, criminal cases were registered and arrests were made. It maintained that the legal process should continue independently and asserted that every person found guilty must face the strictest punishment under the law.
Following the submission of the preliminary SIT report, General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra tendered their resignations on moral grounds. The resignations were placed before the trustees during Monday’s meeting and accepted unanimously. The trust said the decision reflected its commitment to ensuring an impartial investigation and preserving public trust in the institution.
Trust Chairman Govind Giri explained that the resignations became effective in accordance with the trust’s constitution and were therefore formally accepted. He also announced that Krishna Mohan has been entrusted with the responsibilities of acting General Secretary until a permanent appointment is made. The remaining trustee appointments and future administrative decisions are expected to be announced during the next meeting scheduled for July 22.
The trust further decided to remove Gopal Nagarkote from the list of specially invited members. However, it emphasized that no individual should be declared guilty before the investigation reaches its logical conclusion and all legal procedures are completed.
Seeking to reassure devotees, the trust categorically denied allegations regarding the management of donated items. Trust spokesperson Krishna Mohan stated that the trust maintains a detailed register containing records of nearly 2,800 donated articles, including religious scriptures, ornaments, necklaces, and other offerings made by devotees. He said every item has been documented with complete details and is subject to annual physical verification by an independent chartered accountant firm.
The statement added that every devotee donating offerings at the temple counter receives an official receipt. Those making donations outside the counter also receive receipts if they provide donor details. The trust invited devotees who wish to verify the status or usage of their donated articles to visit Ayodhya after scheduling an appointment with trust officials.
Clarifying the handling of silver offerings, the trust explained that silver objects are sent to the Government of India’s Mint, where they are melted into silver bars. It said complete documentation, including photographs, weight records, purity certificates, and mint-issued verification certificates, is maintained for every item processed.
The trustees also announced that they would seek recommendations from independent experts in addition to the SIT’s suggestions to further strengthen temple administration and create a governance model that could serve as a benchmark for other religious institutions.
The statement accused certain groups of attempting to exploit the controversy to weaken public faith in Shri Ramlalla, the Ram Temple, and the broader Hindu community. It alleged that baseless accusations were being circulated not to establish facts but to spread confusion and misinformation.
Speaking after the meeting, Krishna Mohan said a committee has been constituted to review the donation-related issues and will meet on July 22, by which time the SIT’s detailed report is also expected to be available. He asserted that the trust would demand strict legal action against anyone found guilty and insisted that hidden offenders should also be identified and prosecuted.
“The register of approximately 2,800 donated articles is with us. Everything, from Ramcharitmanas to ornaments, has been properly recorded. Whoever is guilty should be punished according to law, and those behind this controversy with ulterior motives should also be exposed,” Krishna Mohan said.
With the trust preparing for another crucial meeting later this month and the SIT investigation nearing its next stage, attention now turns to the findings of the probe and the administrative reforms likely to follow. The outcome is expected to shape both the future functioning of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and public confidence in the management of one of India’s most significant religious institutions.