Ram Temple donation row: Saints say action will follow probe; Trust meeting scheduled for Monday

Ayodhya, July 5 (IANS) Ahead of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s crucial meeting on Monday, seers associated with the Ram Temple on Sunday said the ongoing inquiry into allegations related to temple donations was progressing in the right direction and that appropriate action would be taken after the investigation report is discussed.

The Trust is scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. on Monday (July 6) at Mani Ramdas Chavni (Chhoti Chhavni) in Ayodhya to deliberate on the preliminary report of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted to probe allegations of donation-related irregularities, as well as the resignations of senior Trust functionaries that followed the controversy.

Speaking on the issue, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Paramanand Giri Maharaj said the investigation had revealed certain findings, adding that more would be known after the meeting.

“Yes, the investigation has revealed certain findings. What the saints’ meeting says on the matter will become clear later… People’s faith will return… Action will be taken based on the investigation report, and the committee will decide what needs to be done, including who remains and who is removed…” he said.

On the broader significance of the Ram Temple project, he added, “We will comment further after the meeting. For now, I can only say that the work done in the name of Lord Ram has brought such awareness that it has benefited everyone, including shopkeepers, cab drivers, and hotel owners. Their livelihoods are doing well. Gradually, the remaining work will also be completed. We will say more after the meeting.”

Meanwhile, Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj confirmed that all arrangements had been made for Monday’s meeting.

“The meeting will be held on July 6 at 3 p.m. at Chhoti Chhavni. All members have been informed. The ongoing inquiry is proceeding correctly. Whatever decision is taken will be the right one. This will further strengthen people’s faith in Lord Shri Ram…” he said.

According to sources, members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will discuss the preliminary report of the SIT, which was formed to probe allegations of the alleged embezzlement of donations made to the Ram Temple.

The first item on the five-point agenda is expected to be a discussion on the resignations of the Trust’s General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra. Both, along with Trust administrator Gopal Rao, have been at the centre of the controversy since allegations regarding the handling of temple donations surfaced.

The Trust is also expected to deliberate on the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to oversee the administration and management of the Ram Temple.

The meeting is being closely watched as it is expected to review the SIT’s preliminary findings and decide the Trust’s future course of action on key administrative and organisational issues arising from the controversy.

–IANS

rs/dpb