All 2,800 donated items safe: Ram Mandir Trust displays valuables amid theft row

In an unusual show of transparency, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday laid out some of the very items alleged to have gone missing, insisting that every donated article is accounted for and warning that those responsible for the temple donation theft would face the law.

Addressing a press conference after a marathon Trust meeting, treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri displayed five high-value offerings, including a gold Ramayana, the Lord's padukas (sacred footprints), a necklace and the Kakbhushundi idol, saying they had been brought as sample exhibits to counter allegations that they had disappeared.

"Allegations have been made that several valuable offerings donated to the Ram Temple have vanished. We have brought the register containing the records of all these items. We will present every item in question before you today," he said.

CLAIMS RECORDS OF 2800 ARTICLES

The Trust also produced its inventory register, claiming it contains records of nearly 2,800 donated articles.

"We have a register listing 2,800 such items, and all of them are safe. These five items are only samples. Every donation made to the temple has been documented," Govind Giri said.

He said the Trust would now tighten its systems to ensure there is no room for future allegations.

"Keeping this incident in mind, whatever work we undertake from now on will be executed in such a manner that no one will be able to find even the slightest fault with it," he said, adding that a committee had been constituted to appoint designated officials to strengthen oversight of temple donations.

'THEFT IS THEFT'

While defending the Trust's record on donated valuables, Govind Giri drew a distinction between the allegations over offerings and the theft of cash from donation boxes, which remain under investigation.

"Theft is theft," he said. "The Special Investigation Team is probing the case. We want every person involved, including anyone who may still be absconding, to be arrested and punished."

The Trust is scheduled to meet again on July 22, when it expects to receive the SIT's final report. The meeting will also take up the appointment of additional trustees and review further administrative reforms.

Govind Giri also explained the decision to accept the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra.

"Once the resignation had been tendered, the decision to accept or reject it was no longer in our hands. We simply had to accept it," he said.

Praising Rai's contribution to the Ram Temple movement, Govind Giri said the veteran Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader had served the cause from its earliest days and stepped down in a spirit of responsibility. He announced that trustee Krishna Mohan would serve as the interim General Secretary until a permanent arrangement is made.

- Ends