VHP distances itself from Champat Rai over Ram Mandir donation row, seeks comprehensive probe
A day after questioning to Champat Rai in Ram Mandir Donation theft case, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has distanced itself from former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary and demanded comprehensive investigation into the case.
Speaking to media, VHP International President Alok Kumar said the organisation has no role in the administration of the Ram Mandir and maintained that responsibility for its management rests solely with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. He said the VHP’s role ended after the objective of facilitating the construction of the Ram Temple was achieved following the Supreme Court verdict. “Our role is over. It is not the job of the VHP to construct temples or run them. The trust is responsible for the temple’s administration,” Kumar said.
Kumar also clarified that he was distancing himself from the actions taken by Champat Rai in his capacity as General Secretary of the trust and rejected suggestions that either the VHP, the RSS or the government should be held accountable for the trust’s functioning.
Champat Rai resigned as General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, citing moral responsibility, after allegations of financial irregularities and questions over the trust’s functioning. Trustee Anil Mishra also stepped down following mounting scrutiny after the preliminary findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Calling the alleged irregularities “very disgraceful” and “very shameful”, Alok Kumar said devotees, donors and families of kar sevaks had been deeply hurt by the controversy.
The VHP leader said accountability should not stop with the eight people arrested in connection with the case.
According to Kumar, the trust first sought to verify the allegations before requesting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to constitute an SIT to investigate the matter.
The FIR names Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu as accused. All eight have been arrested.
Kumar said the trust had sought a comprehensive investigation covering everyone linked to the case, including Champat Rai, Gopal Ji and Anil Mishra.
He added that anyone found guilty should face legal action, expressing hope that the investigation would be completed within four to five months.
The SIT has widened its probe by examining five years of banking records connected to the trust and the accused.
Investigators are analysing bank transactions, cash movement, deposit records and CCTV footage to determine whether donations received at the Ram Temple were properly accounted for.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether further legal action, additional resignations or administrative changes within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will follow.