Following a clean chit from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the Ram Mandir donation theft case, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust former general secretary Champat Rai has resumed his active public role. During the period when the investigation was actively underway, he had explicitly declared that he would refrain from speaking until the SIT completed its inquiry and submitted its final closure report. Now, having been cleared of allegations by the investigative body, Champat Rai has issued a detailed nine-page letter presenting the trust's official stance on temple administration, financial transparency, and site construction.
Online Transactions and Three Dedicated Bank Accounts
In his nine-page document, Champat Rai avoided direct discussion regarding the specific theft allegations, choosing instead to detail the operational systems governing temple management and construction. He revealed that the Ram Mandir Trust maintains three primary bank accounts to manage its finances. Crucially, no chequebook has ever been issued for any of these three accounts since their inception. To maintain strict financial transparency, every payment and financial transaction is executed exclusively through online digital banking channels. Additionally, to guard against financial irregularities, the internal audit of these accounts is periodically conducted by independent accounting firms.
Tax Obligations and Free Facilities for Devotees
The letter further emphasizes that the Ram Mandir Trust fully complies with all statutory tax regulations applicable under Indian law. The trust regularly deposits various mandatory taxes and dues, including Goods and Services Tax (GST), Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), stamp duty fees, labor cess, Provident Fund (PF), and Employees' State Insurance (ESI). Turning to devotee welfare, Champat Rai noted that entry for darshan, participation in aarti rituals, general seva, and the distribution of prasad remain entirely free for all visitors. Devotees are not asked to pay any dakshina or fees for performing prayers. Through these disclosures, Champat Rai indicated that statutory rules were rigorously upheld during his tenure as general secretary, asserting that offering discrepancies were the result of minor misconduct by lower-level personnel.
Nripendra Mishra's Role and Construction Deadlines
Considerable focus in the nine-page letter was dedicated to Nripendra Mishra, the Chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee. Champat Rai stated that all decisions concerning the architectural and physical construction of the temple are executed under Nripendra Mishra's direction, without any operational interference from the trust. Meanwhile, Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra separately confirmed a major milestone regarding the site timeline. He announced that the core construction work of the Ram Mandir will be finished by 30 September. Following completion, all contracted construction firms and their on-site personnel will vacate the temple premises by 30 October.
Public Outreach Among Ayodhya Saints
Champat Rai's re-emergence following the SIT report comes after weeks of background engagement. Over the past two weeks, he had been actively visiting various ashrams, maths, and temples throughout Ayodhya to meet local sadhus and spiritual leaders. Trust member Anil Mishra was also actively accompanying him during these spiritual outreach meetings. Both leaders had been waiting for the final SIT findings, and with the clean chit officially delivered, they have stepped back into active roles managing temple affairs and community relations.
