Champat Rai Breaks Silence Through Open Letter After Resigning Over Ram Temple Donation Theft Row, Awaits Final SIT Report

The letter comes amid mounting demands from the Opposition for an investigation into Rai's alleged role in the donation theft case that has shaken the administration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Rai, who played a leading role in the temple's management even before its construction began, said that since June 7, 2026, widespread discussions and rumours had circulated regarding the alleged theft committed during the counting of donations collected from the temple's donation boxes.

Referring to the accusations made against him, Rai stated that several individuals had levelled unfounded allegations despite the ongoing investigation. He said he had deliberately remained silent and would present a detailed, chronological response to every allegation only after the Special Investigation Team completed its inquiry.

Rai also referred to the Trust meeting held on July 6, during which the preliminary investigation report prepared by the Special Investigation Team was presented. He said the report was intended to remain confidential but was leaked during the meeting. He assured devotees that the complete facts would emerge once the final investigation report was released.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ram Temple, accepted Rai's resignation on Monday. He has been cooperating with investigators and was recently questioned by the Special Investigation Team as part of the ongoing probe.

The controversy erupted after authorities uncovered an alleged large-scale embezzlement of donations collected at the Ram Temple. Investigators have arrested eight people in connection with the case, several of whom were reportedly living lifestyles far beyond their known sources of income.

According to the preliminary investigation, theft and misappropriation occurred during the counting of temple donations. The report stated that investigators identified nearly 70 instances in available closed-circuit television footage showing members of the counting team allegedly concealing bundles of currency notes and loose cash. It further concluded that the alleged crime became possible because mandatory security protocols were not effectively implemented during the counting process.

Reaffirming his integrity, Rai said his life had always been transparent. He stated that his 45 years of public service had been conducted like an open book and expressed confidence that the truth would ultimately emerge after the investigation was completed.

Following Rai's resignation, the Trust appointed trustee Krishna Mohan as the interim General Secretary. It also announced the formation of a three-member search committee to identify a new Chief Executive Officer. The committee comprises retired judge Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi, and trustee Suresh Haware.

The donation theft case has emerged as one of the most significant controversies surrounding the administration of the Ram Temple, with the outcome of the Special Investigation Team's final report expected to play a decisive role in determining accountability and restoring public confidence in the management of one of India's most prominent religious institutions.