Ram Mandir Trust Row: Police Question Champat Rai, Record Statement After Resignation

Ayodhya/New Delhi: Events are changing rapidly after the resignation of Champat Rai, general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, in the matter of alleged irregularities related to offerings in Ram Temple. The investigating agencies are busy getting to the bottom of the matter and in this sequence the police have also recorded the statement of Champat Rai. On the other hand, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has made it clear that Champat Rai did not resign under any pressure but took this decision taking moral responsibility.

What is the whole matter?

The case was registered on the basis of the report of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) after a controversy surfaced over alleged misuse of donations given by devotees in the Ram temple. The police arrested eight people and also recovered cash from their locations after the initial stage of investigation indicated some financial irregularities. The investigating agencies are now investigating the money transactions and all aspects related to it.

Why did Champat Rai resign?

Amidst deepening of the controversy, Champat Rai and trust member Anil Mishra submitted resignations from their posts. The Trust said that the resignations of both have been received and they will be placed for consideration in the upcoming meeting. The Trust says that this step has been taken with the aim of ensuring a fair investigation and maintaining the trust of the devotees.

What did VHP say?

After the resignation of Champat Rai, many types of discussions had started. Some political parties said this was the result of increasing pressure, but Vishwa Hindu Parishad rejected these claims. The organization says that Champat Rai himself decided to step down to pave the way for an impartial investigation and to avoid any misunderstanding. The VHP also said that the investigating agencies should be allowed to do their work without any pressure.

What assurance did the Trust give to the devotees?

Ram Mandir Trust has assured the devotees that the donations coming to the temple are completely safe. The trust says that records of all valuables and cash are maintained systematically. Officials have appealed to people not to believe rumors and remain patient until the investigation is completed. The Trust also says that if any irregularity comes to light at any level, action will be taken against those responsible as per rules.

What will happen next now?

On the basis of interrogation of the arrested accused, the police are trying to connect the entire link of alleged misuse of funds. If necessary, other people can also be interrogated. The final decision on the resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra will be taken in the next meeting of the Trust. Political parties are also keeping an eye on this entire incident and the opposition is continuously raising questions about the transparency of the investigation, while the government and the trust say that no one found guilty will be spared.