Champat Rai, general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, made his first public appearance at the Ayodhya temple since a controversy erupted over alleged irregularities in donations.
Amid an ongoing investigation, Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Treasurer Govind Dev Giri stated that Champat Rai holds 'absolutely no resentment' regarding his resignation.
CultureTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express1mo ago3 sources
Champat Rai, following his exit from the Ram Temple Trust, has broken his silence on the alleged 'theft' of donations, stating he will respond point-by-point after the SIT report. He previously chose to remain silent on the matter.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the Congress and Samajwadi Party of 'making a mockery of Hindu faith' following the resignation of Champat Rai from the Ram Mandir Trust amidst a theft controversy.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express+1ndtv1mo ago4 sources
The Ram Temple Trust has accepted the resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra during a crucial meeting held amidst allegations of donation theft. The trust is also addressing the handling of 900 kg of silver sent for purity testing as the RSS closely monitors the situation.
Champat Rai and two other individuals were interrogated for six hours amidst the ongoing Ram Temple land dispute, with more arrests anticipated. The court granted 24-hour police custody remand for Avinash Shukla.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-times1mo ago2 sources
Police are questioning Champat Rai and collecting evidence from SBI officials as part of an investigation into how donations for the Ayodhya Ram Temple were received, counted, and deposited. The inquiry focuses on the financial handling of the temple's funds.
Alok Kumar, international president of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), stated that no pressure was exerted on Champat Rai to resign from his position.
WorldTimes of Indiahindustan-times1mo ago2 sources
The Ram Mandir trust has confirmed the resignation of Champat Rai, assuring that donated silver bricks and ornaments are safe. The trust stated its commitment to ensuring a fair investigation into the matter.
WorldBBCTimes of Indiahindustan-times+2indian-expressndtv1mo ago5 sources
Eight individuals, including a key official's aide and former bank staff, have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft and irregularities involving donations to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has vowed that those found guilty will not be spared, as investigations continue into the recovery of approximately Rs 80 lakh.
The Ram Mandir donation controversy has led to the resignation of Champat Rai as general secretary and the arrest of all eight men named in the First Information Report (FIR). The scandal involves alleged irregularities in donations for the temple construction.
The board overseeing India's landmark Ram temple has been overhauled following allegations of donation theft. Champat Rai, a key figure, has blamed the bank for laxity that allowed the alleged theft of funds.
The Ram Temple Trust initially resisted Champat Rai's resignation but accepted it after bylaws were clarified. The trust is now undergoing an overhaul, including forming a panel to select a new CEO.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-times1mo ago2 sources
Krishna Mohan has been appointed as the interim general secretary of the Ram Temple Trust following the resignation of Champat Rai. This change comes amidst ongoing developments related to the temple's administration.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya defended Champat Rai against embezzlement allegations concerning the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, urging against overblowing the issue despite its painful nature.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has advanced its meeting to July 6 to finalize the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra, and to discuss operational restructuring.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express+1ndtv1mo ago4 sources
Police raided the homes of eight individuals accused in the Ram Temple donation theft case in Ayodhya, investigating their sudden increase in wealth. Meanwhile, local lawyers have refused to defend the accused, citing hurt sentiments.
Eight individuals, including the personal driver of VHP VP Champat Rai, have been arrested and are in judicial custody in connection with the theft of donations, including silver and cash, from the Ram Mandir.
Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, key figures in the Ram Temple trust, have reportedly resigned from their positions, prompting questions about the leadership and future direction of the temple's management.
Swami Govind Dev Giri, treasurer of the Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust, has denied reports of his resignation, stating that the theft of donations is estimated to be around Rs 3 crore, and Champat Rai resigned voluntarily due to negligence.
Champat Rai, general secretary of the Ram Temple Trust, has denied approving the 2025 cash-counting Standard Operating Procedure and instead blamed the State Bank of India for failing to enforce proper procedures amid a 'theft' case.
The Ram Mandir Trust is scheduled to hold a key meeting on Monday to discuss the resignations of Anil Mishra and Champat Rai, along with interim findings of the SIT probe into the donation row.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express1mo ago3 sources
Police are widening their investigation into the theft of donations for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, recovering ₹20.4 lakh and seeking custody of accused Avinash Shukla, with SBI officials also under scrutiny.
Sunil Bansal, brother of Champat Rai, defended his sibling's career and character following Rai's resignation from a trust amidst the Ram Temple controversy.
Following a theft at the Ram Temple, the Trust confirmed the resignations of its General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra as the investigation expands.
A controversy has erupted in India following allegations by an SP leader that donations for the Ram Mandir, estimated between ₹5 crore and ₹7.5 crore, were siphoned off, leading to a priest criticizing an ex-minister's remarks on the case.
Opposition parties in India have intensified their criticism of the government over alleged missing valuables and a 'false narrative' surrounding donations for the Ram Temple.