The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has announced sweeping changes to its donation management and banking system following an ongoing investigation into an alleged donation theft case. The new measures are aimed at strengthening financial transparency, improving accountability, and enhancing security at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
The trust has also reinforced surveillance around donation handling while investigators continue examining allegations involving cash theft and fake donation receipts.
- Three-Person Authorization Introduced for Bank Accounts
- Security Strengthened at Donation Counting Centre
- Enhanced Protection from Donation Boxes to Counting Hall
- Resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra Under Spotlight
- Trust Rules Allow Removal by Two-Thirds Majority
- Fake Donation Receipts Allegedly Used to Mislead Devotees
- Investigation Continues
Three-Person Authorization Introduced for Bank Accounts
One of the biggest changes involves the operation of the trust’s bank accounts. Earlier, banking transactions were handled through a single authorized signatory. Under the revised system, Executive General Secretary Krishna Mohan, along with Jagdish and Chandan Rai, will jointly authorize all financial transactions.
This means no banking activity related to the temple’s accounts can now be completed with the signature of just one individual. The move is being viewed as an important step toward increasing transparency and preventing unauthorized financial transactions.
Previously, trustee Anil Mishra was responsible for banking operations, while Treasurer Govind Giri’s digital signature was used for specific financial procedures.
Security Strengthened at Donation Counting Centre
The trust has significantly upgraded security around the donation counting process.
A total of 43 personnel will now remain present during cash counting to ensure multiple levels of monitoring throughout the process. Additionally, 13 new CCTV cameras have been installed, covering areas that previously lacked surveillance.
The objective is to ensure that every stage—from collecting cash from donation boxes to counting and depositing funds—is continuously monitored.
Enhanced Protection from Donation Boxes to Counting Hall
The trust has also strengthened security during the transportation of donations.
Under the new arrangement, 27 SIS security personnel have been deployed to escort donation boxes to the counting centre. Additional police personnel will also be stationed along the designated route.
Special security has been introduced near Pillar No. 34, where a confidential donation box is reportedly located. According to the trust, three additional police officers will remain deployed in this area to prevent any security breach.
Resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra Under Spotlight
According to information accessed by media reports, the resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra may also be linked to provisions within the trust’s governing rules.
Sources indicate that if any office bearer or trustee is found responsible for irregularities or misconduct, the trust has the authority to remove that individual from office. Reports suggest the resignations came before any formal action could be initiated.
However, Treasurer Govind Giri has publicly stated that both leaders stepped down on moral grounds.
Trust Rules Allow Removal by Two-Thirds Majority
The trust’s governing regulations reportedly state that any office bearer or trustee can be removed only after approval by a two-thirds majority during an official trust meeting.
The rule is considered an important safeguard designed to ensure fairness and institutional accountability in decision-making.
Fake Donation Receipts Allegedly Used to Mislead Devotees
The investigation has also uncovered another significant aspect of the alleged fraud.
According to sources, the arrested suspects were not only accused of stealing cash from donation boxes but also of collecting donations directly from devotees by issuing fake printed receipts carrying the name and logo of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The counterfeit receipts reportedly appeared almost identical to official receipts, making it difficult for devotees to identify the fraud.
Investigators believe the fake receipt system was discontinued after the temple introduced an online donation receipt system, allowing devotees to donate directly to the trust’s authorized bank account or receive official receipts from designated donation counters.
Investigation Continues
The investigation into the alleged donation theft remains ongoing. Authorities continue questioning the arrested individuals while examining every aspect of the temple’s donation management process.
Meanwhile, the trust says the newly introduced banking controls, enhanced surveillance, and stronger security measures are intended to prevent similar incidents in the future and improve public confidence in the temple’s donation system.
The final findings of the investigation are awaited, and further action will depend on the evidence gathered by the investigating agencies.