Ram Mandir Trust: Bajrang Lal Bagra Set to Replace Champat Rai

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad's Bajrang Lal Bagra is the expected pick to replace Champat Rai as general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, following Rai's resignation over an alleged donation embezzlement probe. The Trust held a meeting Monday at the Ayodhya temple complex with seven of nine permanent members present. Rai and trustee Anil Mishra were absent, sources told PTI. No official confirmation of the resignation acceptance emerged during the session. Hours later, Treasurer Govind Giri announced that Krishna Mohan would take over as interim general secretary in Rai's place.

The Trust operates independently of government control. The Central Information Commission has ruled it does not qualify as a public authority, exempting it from RTI oversight because it receives no government funding. A Special Investigation Team is examining the alleged theft of donations. The probe received a 15-day extension to widen its scope. Security around the temple complex was tightened ahead of the Monday meeting, with additional police deployed and restrictions imposed on private vehicle movement. Trust President Nritya Gopal Das said those found guilty should face the strictest punishment. He expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to bring wrongdoers to justice, and urged that the issue not be politicised.