Senior BJP leader and Ram Janmabhoomi movement veteran Vinay Katiyar has said that former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra could face jail if they are found guilty in the alleged embezzlement of donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Katiyar alleged that money donated by devotees had been siphoned off and called for a thorough investigation, saying that no one associated with the temple trust should be spared if wrongdoing is established. He stressed that thousands of people had sacrificed for the Ram Temple movement and that any misuse of devotees' contributions was unacceptable.
The controversy has intensified in recent weeks after an SIT probe into alleged irregularities in temple donations led to the arrest of eight people linked to the counting and handling of cash offerings. Investigators have recovered nearly ₹79.85 lakh so far and are examining possible violations in the donation management process.
Amid mounting pressure, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra have reportedly resigned from their positions in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Trust has said it is committed to a fair and transparent investigation and has assured devotees that their donations remain safe.
The issue has also triggered political reactions across party lines. The Congress has demanded action against the trustees, while sections within the BJP have defended Champat Rai and argued that the matter should not be politicised before the investigation is completed.
A crucial meeting of the Ram Temple Trust has been advanced to July 6 and is expected to discuss the future course of action regarding the ongoing probe and the positions of senior trust functionaries. Meanwhile, the SIT has been granted an additional 15 days to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged embezzlement case.
