Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai has broken his silence over the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged embezzlement of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, saying he will respond to every allegation only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report.
In a handwritten letter addressed to “Ram devotees,” Rai said he deliberately chose to remain silent while the investigation continued. According to him, speaking before the completion of the inquiry would have been inappropriate, especially when the investigation is still underway. He assured devotees that once the SIT completes its work, he will address every accusation in detail and present what he described as “the entire truth” before the public.
Rai stated that several allegations made against him were baseless and insisted that he had consciously observed “maun dharan” (silence) throughout the controversy. He also pointed out that the SIT’s preliminary report had already been presented before the Trust’s general meeting. Although the report was initially classified as “top secret,” he noted that it later entered the public domain, making parts of the investigation widely discussed.
The statement comes at a time when the Ram Temple donation theft case has become one of the most closely watched developments surrounding the historic temple project. The allegations have generated intense public attention because the Ram Temple was built through contributions made by millions of devotees across India and abroad. As a result, any claims involving the handling of donations have naturally raised serious concerns among worshippers who view the temple not only as a place of faith but also as a symbol of national and religious significance.
The controversy first surfaced on June 7 when reports of irregularities involving temple donations emerged. Subsequently, the Uttar Pradesh Government constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the matter. Based on the SIT’s preliminary findings, police registered an FIR on June 25, marking a significant escalation in the investigation.
Investigators have since arrested eight individuals associated with the temple’s donation-counting process. Authorities continue to examine financial records, operational procedures, and the chain of responsibility to determine how the alleged embezzlement occurred and whether additional people were involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have indicated that further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the inquiry.
While defending his own integrity, Rai reflected on his long association with Ayodhya and the Ram Temple movement. He wrote that he had been working in Ayodhya since October 1991 after being deputed by his organization. Referring to his four-and-a-half decades as a full-time pracharak, Rai said his public life had always remained transparent and open to scrutiny. He suggested that his decades of service should be considered while evaluating the allegations being made against him.
His remarks came just a day after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust held an important meeting to address the crisis. During the meeting, trustee Krishna Mohan was appointed as the interim General Secretary following Rai’s resignation. Trust members also announced plans to strengthen the temple’s donation management system by introducing stricter oversight and procedural reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
The Trust acknowledged that the alleged theft from the donation boxes had caused deep disappointment and embarrassment. Treasurer Govind Giri described the incident as painful for both the Trust and millions of devotees whose faith is closely linked to the temple. At the same time, he strongly defended Champat Rai, saying that the Trust unanimously appreciated his immense contribution to the Ram Temple movement and the construction of the temple despite accepting his resignation.
Giri further remarked that Rai remained “untainted” in his eyes and praised his lifetime of sacrifice for the Ram Temple cause. He suggested that Rai’s only possible mistake may have been placing trust in individuals who later betrayed that confidence. His comments reflected the Trust’s attempt to separate the ongoing criminal investigation from Rai’s personal legacy and decades-long involvement in the movement.
The case continues to attract nationwide attention because it touches both legal accountability and public trust. Millions of devotees who contributed financially to the construction of the Ram Temple now await the findings of the SIT investigation, expecting transparency and accountability from every institution connected to the project.
For now, Champat Rai has made it clear that he will not engage in a public debate over the allegations until investigators complete their work. His detailed response, he says, will come only after the SIT submits its final report, a document that could shape the next phase of both the legal proceedings and the broader public conversation surrounding one of India’s most significant religious institutions.
Another letter in the name of Champat Rai is going viral
