India’s Ram Temple Trust Reshuffles Leadership Amid Donation Theft Scandal

A trust overseeing India’s grand Ram temple has reshuffled its leadership following accusations of donation theft involving individuals responsible for counting offerings. The temple, built on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid, was consecrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024.

Trustees of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, established by Modi’s government, met on Monday and accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra. An interim secretary was appointed, and a committee was formed to identify candidates for a newly created chief executive position.

Authorities reported last month that nearly eight million Indian rupees were recovered from seven of eight arrested individuals in connection with the alleged theft. Until March 31, the temple had received INR 5.82 billion in offerings. Trust treasurer Govindadev Giri described the incident as “very shameful.”

The alleged theft has provided ammunition for opposition parties ahead of an election due early next year in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, where the temple is located in Ayodhya. The temple site has a contentious history, sparking nationwide riots in 1992 after a Hindu mob destroyed the 16th-century mosque there.

The Hindu group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has urged patience and restraint among Hindus. Opposition parties have called for the trust’s dissolution and for Prime Minister Modi to address the issue.