'Don't politicise matter': Ram Mandir trust chief amid donation 'theft' row

Ram Mandir Trust president Nritya Gopal Das on Monday said he was deeply pained by the alleged theft of offerings at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, while expressing confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Yogi Adityanath would ensure appropriate action.He also urged people not to politicise the issue."I am deeply hurt by the theft that took place at the temple of Shree Ram Lalaji. Whoever has committed this sin should receive the strictest possible punishment. I once again have faith in Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ji and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji that they will ensure every person who is involved in this sin is punished. This is a matter of faith for crores of Hindus, and I request that no one should indulge in politics over it for their personal gain," Das said, according to a letter shared by news agency ANI.Meanwhile, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is holding a meeting later on Monday, where members will consider the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra.According to a notice issued by Trust treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri, the meeting has been convened with the approval of Nritya Gopal Das to discuss matters requiring immediate decisions.This comes amid an ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.An FIR was registered on June 25 based on a preliminary SIT report submitted two days earlier, and eight people have since been arrested in connection with the case. On July 1, the Uttar Pradesh government extended the SIT probe by 15 days to widen the investigation.Following the developments, Champat Rai and former trustee Anil Mishra resigned, taking moral responsibility for the alleged irregularities.Investigators are also examining alleged financial irregularities involving the accused, including assets, property purchases and luxury vehicles that reportedly do not match their declared incomes.Officials estimate, based on bank records, that around Rs 6-8 lakh was allegedly siphoned off from temple donations each day before the case came to light. Daily donations were estimated to average Rs 16-18 lakh during the period.The SIT is also analysing CCTV footage and examining alleged lapses in cash-handling procedures during high-footfall periods, including the Maha Kumbh, when donation volumes reportedly increased.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.