CHAMPAT RAI ALLEGATIONS
Congress seeks Supreme Court-monitored probe into Ram temple donation theft case
The Congress has demanded a wider investigation into the alleged theft and misappropriation of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, seeking Supreme Court supervision and public disclosure of all financial records. Citing alleged irregularities and complaints dating back to 2021, party leader Jairam Ramesh questioned the role of temple trust officials and argued that accountability should extend beyond the eight employees arrested in the case.
Congress demands SC-monitored probe into Ram temple donation theft case
The Congress intensified its criticism of the Modi government regarding the alleged theft of Ram temple donations. Congress leaders seek transparency and accountability, emphasizing that faith does not justify evading responsibility. They question the investigation process and warn about the mishandling of funds, urging an independent probe under the Supreme Court's supervision. Allegations also include improper audits and missing receipts for significant donations made by devotees.
'Arrogance of power is suicidal': Congress slams PM Modi on Ram temple probe
The Congress has questioned the investigation into alleged donation theft at Ayodhya’s Ram temple, raising concerns over the 21-day delay in filing an FIR and why former trust officials Champat Rai and Anil Mishra were treated as witnesses. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh demanded an independent probe under Supreme Court supervision and questioned the accountability for 105 reported theft incidents.
Ram temple donations pilfered during counting process, 105 instances caught on CCTV: SIT
A Special Investigation Team has unveiled a significant case of embezzlement involving donations meant for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The investigation has produced a chargesheet documenting 105 instances of illicit cash withdrawal recorded on CCTV. Eight suspects have been apprehended and are in judicial custody, while additional witnesses are being interviewed.
Responsibility of Ram temple now on my shoulders: Trust CEO Jeetendra Mishra
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has officially assumed the role of the inaugural chief executive officer of the Ram temple trust, shouldering the significant task of temple administration. Following an administrative revamp by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, his leadership is pivotal for enhancing both the operational and financial frameworks of the temple. Mishra plans to devise effective strategies grounded in a thorough understanding of temple activities.
Ram temple trust's new CEO holds first meeting with members in Ayodhya
Air Marshal (retd) Jeetendra Mishra attended his first meeting as the Ram temple trust's new chief executive officer. He was briefed on the trust's accounting and administrative arrangements at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Kshetra office. The trust members formally introduced themselves to the new CEO during this introductory meeting. New Standard Operating Procedures specifying duties and responsibilities will be made soon.
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Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra appointed 1st Ram temple Trust CEO
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first chief executive officer. Swami Govinddev Giri was named the new general secretary, and Mahesh Bhagchandka became the treasurer. Three new trustees were inducted, including Mahesh Bhagchandka and lawyer Madan Mohan Pandey. The trust welcomed the Supreme Court's order expanding the theft case investigation scope.

New Ram temple CEO must take action against those accused of donation theft: UP Congress chief
Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai on Wednesday questioned whether the appointment of retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust would bring back devotees' trust and recover money allegedly lost from the temple trust.

Ram temple Trust to appoint first full-time CEO amid push to tighten administration
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will appoint its first full-time CEO on Wednesday. A search committee submitted three shortlisted candidates after a rigorous selection process. The Trust will also discuss filling vacant trustee posts and administrative matters. Amendments to the Trust deed are expected to define the CEO's powers. Financial and security coordination issues will also be addressed during the meeting.

Ram Temple Trust to get 1st CEO on Wednesday
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will meet Wednesday to select the first CEO. A shortlist of three candidates will be presented for the crucial leadership position. The trust is also expected to announce two new members and the general secretary. Jagdish Aafle, associated with RSS, will become the first secretary. This meeting follows recent controversies and a former general secretary's resignation.

Ram Mandir donations row: Lawyers' body demands FIR against Champat Rai, Anil Mishra
The Faizabad Bar Association is demanding an FIR against Champat Rai and others for alleged donation irregularities. Lawyers allege government protection for those accused in the Ram Mandir donation case. A delegation met the Senior Superintendent of Police seeking urgent action on their complaint.

Champat Rai visits Ayodhya temple in first public appearance since donation row
Champat Rai visited Tapasvi Chhawani temple, his first public outing since donation embezzlement claims arose. He received a ceremonial welcome and met with the chief priest, Paramhans Acharya. Paramhans Acharya praised Rai's leadership in constructing the grand Ram temple. Allegations of donation theft surfaced in June, leading to an SIT probe and arrests. Rai had previously stated baseless allegations were leveled against him.

Ram temple row: VIP darshan pass IDs of Champat Rai, Anil, Gopal blocked amid probe
Digital IDs of former Ayodhya temple officials have been deactivated by the trust. This action aims to curb alleged irregularities in issuing preferential entry passes. The move follows an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities at the Ram temple. Some associates of former officials are also under scrutiny for alleged illegal pass rackets. The Special Investigation Team is continuing its probe into the matter.

Champat Rai not upset about stepping down, supportive of new system: Ram temple trust treasurer
Ram temple trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri met Champat Rai, who is healthy and supportive of new management. Rai resigned as general secretary following alleged donation theft investigations. The trust is implementing changes to improve temple management systems. A new general secretary and a committee to identify a CEO have been appointed. The trust will meet again on July 22 to discuss further measures.

Congress seeks Champat Rai's arrest, questions remarks on SIT probe
Congress has demanded the immediate arrest of Champat Rai regarding donation theft allegations. Rai stated he would speak after the SIT probing the matter finalizes its report. Congress spokesman Shaktisinh Gohil voiced concerns about a fair and impartial investigation. He highlighted a significant daily difference in temple cash donations during the alleged theft period. The party also called for the trust's dissolution and a new one formed under SC supervision.

Ram Temple trust clears former secretary Champat Rai of wrongdoing
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust found no wrongdoing by former General Secretary Champat Rai. All gold and silver donations made to the Ram Temple are safe and fully accounted for. Keshav Mohan has been appointed in place of Champat Rai to oversee the Trust's functioning. This follows a preliminary SIT report alleging security lapses and theft in the donation counting room.

Ram Temple Trust clarifies Champat Rai, Anil Mishra have ceased to be members
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accepted resignations from Champat Rai and Anil Mishra. Krishna Mohan was appointed interim General Secretary, with a permanent decision pending. Gopal Nagarakatte was also removed from the specially invited members list. Seers expressed mixed reactions to Champat Rai's departure from the trust. The trust plans to strengthen administrative and financial systems following these changes.

Ram Mandir donation row: Trust says it received Rs 3,264 crore in donations, spent Rs 2,370 crore on temple
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust reported receiving Rs 3,264 crore in donations and spending Rs 2,370 crore on construction. The Trust has Rs 582 crore in offerings until March 31, 2026, with Rs 391 crore spent on operations. Resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra followed allegations of donation counting irregularities.

Ram Temple Trust meet today; Champat Rai's fate, SIT report on agenda
A crucial meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to address alleged donation irregularities, potentially deciding the fate of key officials. Discussions are expected to cover the temple's future management, financial reports, and a preliminary SIT probe. The potential resignations could lead to a trust reconstitution and the appointment of a CEO for smoother operations.

RSS can't distance itself from Ayodhya Ram temple donation row, says Congress
In a bold move, the Congress has confronted the RSS regarding its attempts to evade scrutiny over the alleged mishandling of funds at the Ayodhya Ram temple. Party representative Aradhana Mishra underscored the Sangh's connections to pivotal temple officials and questioned the absence of demands for legal action from general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale.

"Money siphoned off": BJP leader Vinay Katiyar says Champat Rai, Anil Mishra could soon face jail in Ram Mandir embezzlement case
"The SIT team investigating the alleged misappropriation of funds donated to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple has extended its tenure by 15 days. The investigation is on its second day," he said.

SIT in Ram Mandir embezzlement case intensifies probe, UP Police question accused Avinash Shukla
A Special Investigation Team is intensifying its probe into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple, with a 15-day extension granted for a comprehensive inquiry. Accused Avinash Shukla, involved in counting offerings, is currently being questioned. The controversy erupted after allegations of misappropriated funds, leading to an FIR and the naming of several individuals. Trust officials have resigned taking moral responsibility, and their statements are being recorded.

Ram Nivas temple head levels shrine grab charge against Champat Rai; Akhilesh Yadav seeks probe
A priest from a centuries-old temple near Ayodhya's Ram Mandir has accused Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and his associates of illegally seizing control of the shrine using forged documents. Hari Shankar Safariwala claims the temple, valued at Rs 50 crore, has been under their control for five years despite repeated complaints to authorities. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has called for a thorough investigation.

Faizabad lawyers seek FIR against Ram Temple Trust officials over alleged donation fund embezzlement
Lawyers in Faizabad have protested, demanding an FIR against senior Ram Temple Trust officials, including Champat Rai, over alleged donation embezzlement. The Bar Association submitted a complaint seeking an impartial probe into financial irregularities. This follows an ongoing investigation and previous arrests related to donation counting. Protesters warned of intensified agitation if no case is registered.

Arrest Ram Temple trustees: Congress
Congress leaders, including UP chief Ajay Rai, were detained Tuesday en route to Ayodhya's Ram temple, where they intended to offer prayers and probe alleged donation fraud. The party demanded the arrest and interrogation of prominent trust members like Champat Rai and Nripendra Misra, citing reports of embezzlement and land scams. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate highlighted the trust's alleged violation of donation counting procedures and lack of receipts for devotees.

Ram temple donation row: Ayodhya lawyers boycott accused; demand for CBI probe; SC refuses urgent hearing
Separately, a plea seeking a time-bound investigation by a CBI-led multi-disciplinary team came before the Supreme Court, but the vacation bench questioned the urgency and postponed the hearing until after the summer break, saying "heavens are not going to fall".

'Ram temple's donated silver bricks, ornaments safe with proper accounting': Trust treasurer
Two key officials of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, have resigned amid allegations of embezzlement of Ram temple donations. The Trust confirmed receiving their resignations and vowed a fair inquiry into the matter. Police have arrested eight individuals, including a former driver of Rai, recovering significant cash and foreign currency.

Rs 79.85 lakh recovered in Ram temple donation case; Champat Rai, Anil Mishra reportedly resign
Reports suggest Champat Rai and Anil Mishra have resigned from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust amid allegations of donation irregularities. Eight individuals accused in the case were presented in court, with police potentially seeking further remand for interrogation.

Ram temple donation 'embezzlement': Opposition parties question timing of FIR
Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh have intensified their criticism of the BJP government following an FIR lodged over alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress state chief Ajay Rai questioned the timing and scope of the police action, suggesting influential individuals are being shielded.
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