Champat Rai, Anil Mishra Resign From Ram Mandir Trust Amid Donation Controversy

In a major development amid the ongoing controversy over the alleged embezzlement of temple donations, Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has stepped down from his position on moral grounds. Alongside him, prominent Trust member Dr. Anil Mishra has also tendered his resignation. The developments follow a preliminary report submitted by a state-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) that was tasked with investigating financial irregularities and missing funds from the temple's donation offerings.

T he controversy erupted earlier this month when opposition leaders and whistleblowers alleged that crores of rupees from temple donations and cash offerings went missing. In response to mounting pressure, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member SIT on June 14 to conduct a thorough investigation into the management of the funds. 'Don't Test Ram Bhakts': Yogi Adityanath Hits Back at Congress Over Ram Mandir Donation Row (Watch Video).

Following the SIT's initial findings, an FIR was registered against eight individuals, including cash-counting personnel and a close aide of the Trust management. The arrests of these individuals intensified scrutiny on the senior leadership of the Trust, leading to growing demands for accountability from both political factions and independent local seers.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was established by the central government in 2020 to oversee the construction and management of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Champat Rai, a senior leader of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), had been serving as its General Secretary since its inception, while Dr. Anil Mishra served as a key trustee.

The ongoing investigation has focused heavily on the internal processes of collecting, counting, and depositing cash and valuables received at the temple. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had reportedly requested a comprehensive audit of the Trust's balance sheets, bank deposits, and assets following the initial allegations. 'No Receipt or Update From Trust': Sanjay Raut Claims 4-Kg Silver Brick Donated by Shiv Sena (UBT) to Ayodhya Ram Mandir Is Missing.

Champat Rai Steps Down as General Secretary

Champat Rai resigns on moral grounds from the post of General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust; Trust member Anil Mishra also resigns. pic.twitter.com/eLT0JvA945

— ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2026

While formal statements regarding the acceptance of the resignations and the appointment of successors are expected following upcoming meetings of the Trust board, government sources indicate that administrative restructuring—including the potential appointment of a government-backed Chief Executive Officer (CEO)—is currently under evaluation to ensure transparency in future operations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2026 01:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).