Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust Treasurer Denies Involvement in Donation Collection Amid Embezzlement Allegations

The treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Govind Dev Giri, has publicly stated that he has not participated in the daily collection of donations for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. This assertion comes in the wake of serious allegations regarding the misappropriation of funds intended for the temple, which have raised questions about the trust’s financial management.

Giri’s remarks were made ahead of a crucial meeting of the trust, marking the first gathering since the allegations emerged. Seers and spiritual leaders in Ayodhya have been vocal about their concerns, calling for a thorough investigation into Giri’s role as treasurer. They argue that, given his position, he should bear responsibility for the trust’s financial activities.

In defending his position, Giri explained that the day-to-day handling of donations is managed by local trustees, and he is not directly involved in these operations. He reassured stakeholders that all financial records are meticulously kept and can be scrutinized by authorized individuals. The treasurer emphasized that audit reports are maintained securely, indicating transparency in the trust’s financial dealings.

Giri further elaborated on his role, stating that while he is responsible for maintaining the accounts, he often travels, which necessitates the involvement of chartered accountants from the trust’s Pune office. These accountants visit Ayodhya during the last few days of each month to assist the trust’s staff and ensure that the accounts are in order. He underscored that all financial expenditures of the trust are routed through banks and that he is not an authorized signatory for these transactions, distancing himself from any direct financial mismanagement.

The controversy surrounding the trust’s financial practices has not only drawn attention from the local community but has also become a topic of national discourse, reflecting the heightened sensitivity surrounding the Ram temple project. As the trust prepares for its upcoming meeting, the outcome of this situation could have significant implications for its future operations and the public’s trust in its governance.

Source: scroll.in