The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has changed the location of its important meeting planned for Monday. The session will now occur inside the Ram Janmabhoomi complex rather than at the Sant Maniram Das Chhawani in Ayodhya. The meeting starts at 3 pm and will address several key issues concerning the Trust and Ram Mandir administration. Trust officials and members are expected to participate, with preparations already underway at the site. The shift occurs as the Trust faces examination over claims of misappropriation of devotee offerings at the temple. An FIR was filed regarding the alleged theft of donations, leading to the formation of a Special Investigation Team. The SIT delivered its suggestions to the Uttar Pradesh government last month, though the inquiry remains ongoing without final results. Formed by the central government in February 2020 after the Supreme Court ruling on the Ayodhya dispute, the Trust handles construction, management and operations of the Ram Mandir. The issue has drawn attention to General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, who submitted resignations following the allegations. Trust rules require an explanation from the concerned office-bearer before any disciplinary steps, including resignation acceptance, and approval by a majority of trustees. Sources indicate Rai has told associates he prefers not to remain amid the controversy, feeling his duties in Ayodhya are complete. Neither individual appears in the FIR. The meeting will likely review the resignations of both men and consider a new administrative setup if accepted. The SIT findings and future management of the temple are also set for discussion, along with interim probe updates and steps to improve oversight. Treasurer Govind Dev Giri has directed all regular and ex-officio members to attend. Ex-officio participants include Union Home Ministry Additional Secretary Prashant Lokhande, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Prasad, Ayodhya District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi and former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Nripendra Mishra. Reports from Ayodhya suggest Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das may join after his hospital release. The 89-year-old was admitted on June 29 for a urinary tract infection and breathing issues and left on Friday. Senior trustee K Parasaran, limited by age-related conditions, is expected to join via video conference. The role of special invitee Gopal Rao may also be reviewed. An unaudited financial statement, balance sheet and other details for the 2025-26 fiscal year are likely to be presented for approval. Trustees may also consider appointing a chief executive officer to manage the temple.
