Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai was grilled for three hours by police on Tuesday in connection with the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple construction fund, sources said. The questioning took place at the Ayodhya police headquarters, with Rai facing a barrage of queries about the missing funds, estimated to be in the crores of rupees.
Lengthy Interrogation Leaves Gaps
According to sources close to the investigation, the session lasted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., during which Rai was asked about the trust's financial procedures and the specific incident of the theft. However, several questions remained unanswered, as Rai reportedly cited lack of direct knowledge or referred to other officials. "The questioning was extensive, but we are not fully satisfied with the responses," a police official said on condition of anonymity.
Background of the Case
The case came to light in early June 2026 when discrepancies were found in the donation records. Over ₹2 crore in cash and gold donations were reported missing from the temple's collection boxes. The trust had filed a complaint with the Ayodhya police, leading to the registration of an FIR under theft and criminal breach of trust.
Impact on Temple Construction
The Ram Temple, under construction since August 2020, has received massive public donations. Any misappropriation of funds could erode public trust and delay the project. The temple trust has assured full cooperation with the investigation. "We are committed to transparency and will ensure that all funds are accounted for," a trust spokesperson said.
Next Steps in Investigation
Police are now expected to summon other trust officials and review financial records. A special investigation team has been formed to trace the missing donations. Rai's questioning is seen as a crucial step, but sources indicate that more clarity is needed on the chain of custody of the funds.
