The mystery behind the Ram Mandir donation theft in Ayodhya remains unresolved, and the ongoing investigation has now taken a fresh turn. It is still unclear exactly how much money was embezzled from the temple or who orchestrated the theft. Amid this, Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj, a trustee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has for the first time made a striking statement about the trust, placing the entire blame for the mess on Gopal Rao.
SIT's Eight Hour Grilling in Ayodhya
The Special Investigation Team, or SIT, probing the alleged manipulation in the Ram Mandir's donation collections carried out an intensive investigation in Ayodhya lasting nearly 8 hours. During this time, three senior trust officials, Gopal Rao, Champat Rai and Dr. Anil Mishra, were questioned separately. Champat Rai too remains under the scanner, with the SIT scrutinising every aspect linked to him. Several people allegedly involved in stealing donations have already been arrested and are being subjected to intense questioning to trace the full extent of the embezzlement network.
Mahant Dinendra Das's Claim Against Gopal Rao
In a hidden camera conversation, the senior priest and trust member Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj said that Gopal Rao does not believe in the traditions of the Ram Mandir. He alleged that Gopal Rao is at the root of the entire controversy and is misleading everyone else involved. This marks the first time a trust member has so directly pointed a finger at a fellow office bearer.
'Nothing Wrong With Champat Rai', Trustee Says
Speaking on Thursday amid the ongoing controversy over the alleged donation manipulation, Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj openly backed former trust general secretary Champat Rai. He said Champat Rai has never spoken ill of anyone and has always worked with complete transparency in the service of Lord Ram.
He said, “I have known Champat Rai for more than 15 years, and I have never seen him do anything wrong. I have been in touch with him for the last 15 years. Champat Rai is serving Ramlalla with his body, mind and wealth. He never speaks ill of anyone. Even if one rupee comes in, he hands it over to Ramlalla. Whenever something happens, he informs everyone. He tells everything at trust meetings and abides by whatever decision is taken there. If I saw any flaw, I would point it out myself. I don't see any flaw in Champat Rai. If I saw a mistake, I would certainly say so.”
Key Leads From Prime Accused Avinash Shukla
Dinendra Das Maharaj's statement has come at a time when the investigation into the alleged donation manipulation has intensified sharply. The SIT team once again reached Ayodhya on Thursday. One of the biggest breakthroughs in the probe so far has come from questioning prime accused Avinash Shukla. Interrogation revealed that the alleged racket had closely studied the temple's layout, including CCTV blind spots and the entry and exit routes, before carrying out the theft. This shows the theft was not a spontaneous act but a carefully planned operation.
Gopal Rao and Anil Mishra May Be Questioned Next
The scope of the investigation keeps widening. Police are examining the financial trail to determine whether any of the eight accused invested the allegedly embezzled money in property outside Ayodhya or diverted the funds elsewhere. Investigators are also trying to establish both financial and personal links among everyone involved in the case. According to police sources, the SIT could question Gopal Rao and Dr. Anil Mishra in the coming days, a development that could bring fresh revelations in the case.
For now, the question of who masterminded the Ram Mandir donation theft remains unanswered, but this statement from within the trust has given the case a new twist. All eyes are now on what fresh details emerge once the SIT questions Gopal Rao and Dr. Anil Mishra further.
