The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Ram Mandir fund theft case revisited Ayodhya on 2 July 2026 and questioned three key figures for the second time, including Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai. Rai, who has been under scrutiny for alleged misappropriation of funds meant for the Ram Temple construction, indicated he may step down from his role, stating that he was 'betrayed' and would not 'continue with the stigma'. The SIT also questioned trust member Anil Mishra and temple official Gopal Rao during the visit.
Champat Rai's Statement on Betrayal and Stigma
In a brief interaction with reporters after the SIT questioning, Champat Rai said, 'Service is complete. I have been betrayed, and I will not continue with this stigma.' The remarks have fueled speculation that Rai may resign from his position as general secretary of the trust, which oversees the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Rai has been a key figure in the temple movement for decades and served as a close associate of trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. The SIT, formed by the Uttar Pradesh government in May 2026, is investigating allegations that over ₹200 crore of temple funds were diverted through a network of shell companies. According to sources, the SIT has gathered evidence of financial irregularities involving multiple trust officials.
SIT's Second Round of Questioning in Ayodhya
The SIT team, led by Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Law and Order, arrived in Ayodhya on Thursday morning and conducted questioning at a temporary camp office near the temple site. The three individuals—Rai, Mishra, and Rao—were each interrogated for over four hours. 'The SIT is focusing on the flow of funds and the role of each accused in the alleged embezzlement,' a source close to the investigation told DH Online. 'The second round of questioning is crucial as the SIT has now cross-verified documents and statements from the first round, which revealed discrepancies.' The SIT has also summoned several contractors and suppliers who worked on the temple project, seeking details of payments and work orders.
Background of the Fund Theft Allegations
The Ram Mandir fund theft case came to light in April 2026 when a whistleblower within the trust alleged that donations collected for the temple construction were being siphoned off. The trust had collected over ₹3,600 crore in donations from devotees worldwide since 2020. An initial audit by a chartered accountant firm flagged suspicious transactions totaling approximately ₹200 crore, leading to the formation of the SIT. In June 2026, the SIT arrested two trust employees and a private contractor, who allegedly acted as middlemen in the scheme. However, no senior trust officials have been arrested so far. The SIT has also frozen several bank accounts linked to shell companies suspected of laundering the funds.
Reactions from Political and Religious Leaders
The developments have triggered reactions from political and religious leaders. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured a thorough investigation, stating, 'No one involved in the theft of public money meant for Lord Ram will be spared.' The opposition Samajwadi Party has demanded the arrest of Champat Rai and a judicial probe into the matter. Meanwhile, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, president of the trust, has expressed full faith in the SIT and urged devotees not to lose faith. 'The temple construction is on track, and the guilty will face the law,' he said in a statement. The trust has also appointed a new oversight committee to monitor financial transactions.
Impact on Ram Temple Construction
Despite the controversy, construction of the Ram Temple continues at a steady pace. The temple's sanctum sanctorum and ground floor were completed in January 2024, and work on the first floor and the 'Shikhar' (spire) is underway. The trust has maintained that the alleged fund theft has not affected the construction schedule or quality. 'The temple will be completed by December 2026 as planned,' a trust spokesperson said. However, the scandal has raised questions about transparency in the management of donations, with several devotees demanding stricter oversight. The SIT is expected to submit its final report to the Uttar Pradesh government by August 2026.
What Next for Champat Rai?
Champat Rai's future role in the trust remains uncertain. While he has not formally resigned, his statement indicates a possible exit. Sources say the trust's governing body may meet next week to discuss the situation. If Rai steps down, it would mark a significant change in the leadership of the Ram Temple project, which has been closely associated with him for years. The SIT has not ruled out further questioning of Rai or other trust members as the investigation progresses. 'The case is still evolving, and more arrests cannot be ruled out,' a senior SIT officer said on condition of anonymity.
