The controversy surrounding the theft of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is intensifying, bringing the conduct and roles of various trust members under intense scrutiny. While the ongoing investigation by the SIT has not yet uncovered any concrete evidence pointing to the direct involvement of the trust's senior members, the development has sparked significant concern. Amid these challenging circumstances, Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, the treasurer of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has broken his silence. He has strongly defended the integrity of Champat Rai while maintaining a cautious distance from Dr. Anil Mishra, stating that his acquaintance with the latter is relatively brief and that any potential involvement must be determined solely by the SIT investigation.
An Invaluable Heritage Tainted by Theft
Reflecting on the emotional toll of the incident, Govind Dev Giri Maharaj expressed deep anguish and embarrassment over the theft. He emphasized that the magnificent temple was built after five centuries of relentless struggle, the sacrifice of countless devotees of Lord Ram, and the intense penance of saints and sages. For everyone involved, this temple represents an invaluable spiritual and historical treasure. The treasurer admitted that they had never imagined such a shameful incident of theft from the temple's donation boxes could ever take place in such a sacred space. Upon learning about the theft, the trust members were left devastated, shocked, and deeply hurt. Maharaj confessed that for some time, they were completely at a loss on how to react or handle the situation. However, he asserted that now that the crisis has surfaced, their primary duty is to rectify the security and administrative loopholes immediately.
Financial Safeguards and Audit Procedures
Addressing questions about how such irregularities could occur under his supervision, the treasurer explained the financial monitoring systems in place. He revealed that he first became aware of the donation theft in the first week of June. As the treasurer, the ultimate responsibility of managing and accounting for the collected funds lies with him. To ensure complete transparency, Maharaj has established a strict monthly auditing process. He sends his personal chartered accountant to Ayodhya for approximately five days every single month to conduct a thorough audit of all financial records. Because the internal accounts and transaction registers showed no anomalies, the trust had no reason to suspect any internal wrongdoing. The theft, which occurred directly at the donation box level, came as an absolute shock to the financial management team.
Unwavering Support for Champat Rai
When asked about the allegations targeting senior trust figures who are associated with the VHP and RSS, Govind Dev Giri Maharaj offered a stout defense of Champat Rai. Drawing from his 30 to 32 years of close association and working relationship with him, the treasurer asserted that Rai's integrity is beyond question. Maharaj firmly stated that if Champat Rai had even the slightest inkling of any embezzlement, theft, or financial misconduct, he would have taken swift, uncompromising action to stop it. Given Rai's lifelong dedication to the organizational cause, Maharaj believes it is impossible for him to be involved in any corrupt practices.
The Case of Dr. Anil Mishra and the SIT Investigation
In contrast, the treasurer took a highly objective and reserved stance regarding Dr. Anil Mishra, who, along with his wife, served as the chief hosts during the historic consecration ceremony of the temple. Addressing the allegations of commission-seeking in temple construction contracts as well as donation theft, Maharaj pointed out that his acquaintance with Dr. Mishra is fairly recent, dating back only to when they started working together on the Ayodhya temple affairs. He stated that he cannot unilaterally draw any conclusions regarding Dr. Mishra's guilt or innocence. Maharaj concluded that the SIT is the authorized body to thoroughly investigate the matter, and the final determination of Dr. Mishra's role must be left entirely to the legal process and the investigators.
