In a major reshuffle, Air Marshal (Retired) Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the temple trust. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer, Western Command, during Operation Sindoor. He has been tasked with strengthening the management and financial accountability of the temple, which was hit by a donation theft controversy earlier this year.
His illustrious career in the Indian Air Force spanned from 1986 to May 2026. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Pune, the Air Force Test Pilots School, Bengaluru, the Air Command and Staff College, USA, and the Royal College of Defence Studies, UK.
He has served as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations), Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron, Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Air Officer Commanding of two frontline air bases, Director (Operational Planning and Assessment Group), Principal Director (ASR), Commandant of ASTE, and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training).
He has been awarded military honours, including the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, for his distinguished service.
The three others added to the team include Madan Mohan Pandey from Ayodhya, Mahesh Bhagchandka from Delhi and Nirmala Yadav from Shikohabad.
So far, eight arrests have been made in connection with the donation theft controversy. The trust’s general secretary, Champat Rai, also resigned in the wake of the row.
The selection process for the new CEO was helmed by retired judge Pramod Kohli and included retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and former scientist Suresh Haware.
More than 5,000 applications were submitted and evaluated based on a 600-mark framework. Final interviews for the 16 shortlisted candidates were conducted on August 11 and 12.