AYODHYA: In a major governance overhaul following the alleged donation embezzlement controversy, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is considering appointing a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to strengthen administrative oversight, with treasurer Govind Dev Giri Maharaj admitting that the absence of professional supervision contributed to the lapses.Speaking to ANI, Govind Dev Giri Maharaj said the Trust has constituted a committee to identify three suitable candidates for the post, after which one will be appointed to oversee the temple’s administration.“All of this happened due to the absence of a CEO, because the task of oversight requires the discipline that professional bureaucratic people bring. We didn’t bring that kind of professional oversight here, and this was the result. So, we will bring one in; we have formed a committee to select and recommend three names, and we will choose one from among them,” he said.The treasurer also defended former general secretary Champat Rai, whose resignation was accepted on Monday following the controversy, saying he had no personal role in the alleged financial irregularities but acknowledged that he had shown poor judgement in appointing certain individuals.“When I say he is innocent, I mean he could not possibly have had any personal involvement in this entire scandal. I have known him for 32 years, so I cannot even conceive of him being involved in something like this. Now, that speaks to his character; we still have no doubts about his integrity. However, one has to admit that he was careless regarding his work after all, he employed such a criminal as his driver. That man held the keys and controlled everything,” the treasurer said.Govind Dev Giri Maharaj alleged that the arrested driver, Ram Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, was the key figure behind the alleged pilferage of temple donations and suggested that he may have acted at the behest of outsiders.“I believe his driver was the one who executed all of this; I even suspect the driver was connected to outsiders. They likely instigated him to do this and report back to them. I often feel that this was orchestrated by others,” he said.“All this was happening, yet no one noticed. It is a matter of sorrow, anguish, and shame for us; we feel ashamed because of it,” the maharaj added.Govind Dev Giri Maharaj also confirmed that he had spoken to officials of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the alleged donation theft, and shared the information sought by investigators.“The SIT spoke to me over the phone. They sought some information, which I provided. I am satisfied with the SIT,” he said.The Trust’s move comes after the SIT’s preliminary report reportedly found prima facie evidence of theft and pilferage during the counting of donations at the Ram Temple. Investigators examined CCTV footage, statements of Trust officials, security personnel, bank staff and counting employees, along with financial records and standard operating procedures.According to the preliminary findings, CCTV footage recorded between April 27 and June 5 allegedly captured nearly 70 instances of counting staff concealing cash in their clothes, pockets and shoes.However, the SIT found no evidence to support allegations regarding missing silver bricks or other valuable offerings, stating that official records showed such items remained in the Trust’s custody. The investigation is continuing.On Monday, the Trust accepted the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra as part of a broader administrative reshuffle aimed at restoring public confidence. Krishna Mohan has since been appointed interim general secretary of the Ram Mandir Trust.(With ANI inputs)
