The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has accepted the resignation of its General Secretary, Champat Rai, following a major controversy over the alleged theft of temple donations.
According to sources, Bajrang Bagra has emerged as a leading contender to replace Rai. A chartered accountant and former head of NALCO, Bagra is seen as having the financial and administrative expertise to strengthen the Trust’s governance.
Rai and trustee Anil Mishra submitted their resignations after Yogi Adityanath ordered action following a preliminary investigation into the alleged siphoning of temple donations.
Investigators say nearly ₹7–7.5 crore is suspected to have been stolen despite CCTV cameras being installed in the cash-counting area, reportedly because footage was not regularly monitored.
Eight people have been arrested in connection with the case, including Rai’s driver, Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav. According to sources, Rai has told associates that his driver abused his trust to carry out the alleged fraud.
The Trust is expected to announce its new General Secretary after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s national executive meeting scheduled for July 19-20 in New Delhi, where key organizational appointments are expected to be finalized.
