Fresh sting puts Ram Temple Trust under scanner

Questions persist about why an FIR was allegedly not filed promptly by the trust after the initial theft discovery, and why only a fraction of the allegedly stolen amount has been officially recovered

Metro India News | AYODHYA

Just two weeks after the major “Chanda Chori” (donation theft) scandal rocked the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, with eight people arrested, an undercover investigation by a news channel has revealed that questionable practices in handling donations allegedly continue inside the Trust’s operations. In that sting operation aired on the channel, reporters posing as devotees gained access to the trust’s guest house, where General Secretary Champat Rai is said to be operating from the shadows.

The investigation claims to show how silver and gold donations can be accepted without proper documentation, bills or immediate accountability, raising fresh concerns about transparency at one of India’s most revered religious sites. The undercover team was directed to meet individuals close to Champat Rai (former General Secretary of the trust who resigned recently following allegations of misappropriation of the trust), referred to internally as “Babuji.” When the reporters mentioned wanting to donate silver items and other valuables, a man identifying himself as a close aide of Champat Rai — assured them that arrangements could be made.

He reportedly told the team that everything could be “facilitated,” including bypassing CCTV cameras, and that donations could proceed without original bills or a clear paper trail. In recorded conversations, the man allegedly said the trust could accept gold and silver donations even without proper invoices.

When asked about receipts, he reportedly replied that a receipt would be sent later via WhatsApp, possibly two days later.  He also suggested that concerns about CCTV could be managed flexibly. The operation further claims that Champat Rai himself was present in the guest house conducting meetings, despite publicly maintaining a low profile following the earlier scandal and an SIT probe.

Opposition reacts sharply

A Congress party spokesperson expressed shock at the revelations, stating that the sting shows Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and others continue to operate within the Trust premises despite their resignations. He accused the BJP of exploiting Lord Ram’s name not just for votes but also for financial gains, and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on the matter. A Samajwadi Party spokesperson went further, describing the alleged actions as a betrayal of Ram devotees and labelling the Trust’s operations as running a “Vishwa Loot Parishad” (World Loot Council) instead of a religious body.

VHP leaders acknowledged the sting but questioned the credibility of the interactions shown. They argued that the person’s statements should not be taken as conclusive proof of systemic wrongdoing and urged viewers to await official findings. They maintained that the trust has clarified the security of donations and invited genuine devotees to verify records.

However broader questions sting has reignited debate over the handling of massive public donations collected for the Ram Temple.  Critics point to reports of stolen silver bricks, gold, coins and even sacred items like Ram Charan Paduka reportedly missing from inventories. Questions persist about why an FIR was allegedly not filed promptly by the trust after the initial theft discovery, and why only a fraction of the allegedly stolen amount has been officially recovered.

Another aspect highlighted is that official donation procedures require devotees to submit valuables at designated counters within the temple premises and receive proper receipts. Accepting high-value donations informally at a guest house without bills or immediate documentation, appears to violate standard accountability norms, legal experts noted.

As the Special Investigation Team investigation continues, the fresh exposé has intensified calls for greater transparency and stricter oversight of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, which millions of Hindus across the world revere as a symbol of faith. The trust and concerned authorities are yet to issue a detailed response to the latest sting operation.