Temple Donation Irregularity Probe Intensifies; Champat Rai Questioned by Ayodhya Police for Three Hours

According to police officials, Champat Rai was questioned in detail about the entire donation management system, including the procedures for receiving cash and valuables from devotees, counting the offerings, securing them, and subsequently depositing them into bank accounts. Investigators sought clarity on operational responsibilities at each stage of the process to determine whether procedural gaps may have enabled alleged irregularities.

Sources indicated that Champat Rai was unable to satisfactorily answer several key questions during the interrogation. Police officials stated that he may be summoned again if further clarification is required as the investigation progresses.

Champat Rai, however, denied any involvement in the alleged theft or misappropriation of temple donations. He stated that he became actively involved once he received information regarding suspicious activities, after which suspects were apprehended and a First Information Report was registered. He also acknowledged that ensuring the integrity of donation handling fell under his responsibility.

During questioning related to recruitment practices, including allegations concerning the appointment of relatives or acquaintances within the temple administration, Champat Rai stated that employment opportunities were provided to individuals in need. He added that multiple members of the Trust were involved in such decisions and cited the role of Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao, stating that their recommendations also influenced certain appointments.

Investigators are examining whether individuals such as Tinnu Yadav had any role in the alleged irregularities. Champat Rai stated that the individual had been associated with the system for a long time and expressed surprise over the alleged misconduct.

This is the first recorded statement of Champat Rai following his removal from the post of General Secretary on June 27. Around the same time, police registered a First Information Report related to the alleged donation theft case. Another Trust member, Anil Mishra, also resigned alongside him. Police are expected to record Anil Mishra’s statement soon, while several other Trust officials have already been questioned or are currently under examination.

Investigating officers are cross-verifying Champat Rai’s statements with bank records, financial documents, CCTV footage, electronic evidence, and other material collected during the probe to establish procedural accountability and identify any discrepancies.

Champat Rai, aged 79, is a former chemistry teacher at ASM Degree College in Bijnor. He has long been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, where he rose to the position of Vice President. During the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, he reportedly spent approximately one and a half years in various prisons. Following his transition into organizational work, he became a senior functionary in the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and was appointed General Secretary of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust in 2020 after the Supreme Court’s verdict enabled the formation of the trust. The Trust is chaired by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, although Champat Rai has played a central role in key decisions related to temple construction and administration.

The ongoing investigation is expected to continue as authorities analyze financial records and witness statements to determine the extent of accountability within the temple’s donation management system, making this one of the most closely watched probes involving a major religious institution in recent years.