Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra have resigned amid a growing controversy over alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, sources said on Friday. Both leaders are understood to have stepped down on moral grounds as the probe into the donation theft case widens.
The development came soon after an FIR was registered in connection with alleged embezzlement of offerings made by devotees at the temple. According to reports, the case has been filed under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating and conspiracy.
The FIR has reportedly named eight people, including Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Tinnu Yadav and Manish Yadav. Authorities are investigating allegations that donations and valuables offered at the shrine were siphoned off through a network involving temple staff and others.
A Special Investigation Team was constituted earlier this month after allegations of large-scale financial irregularities surfaced. Preliminary findings reportedly pointed to lapses in the handling and monitoring of cash offerings at the temple.
Sources close to Rai said he stepped down to allow a free and fair investigation, while Mishra also resigned amid mounting scrutiny. The resignations have triggered major political reactions, with opposition leaders demanding accountability and transparency in the management of temple donations.
The Trust has not yet announced who will replace Rai or Mishra. The probe is continuing, and more action is likely if investigators find wider involvement in the alleged scam.
