The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed a retired Air Marshal as its first chief executive officer (CEO) in a significant leadership overhaul. This move comes alongside the introduction of three new trustees, as the Trust aims to enhance its administration. These changes are particularly relevant given the ongoing allegations regarding irregularities in the collection of donations for the Ram Temple.
The Delhi-based businessman also heads the Ashok Singhal Foundation and is related to former Vishwa Hindu Parishad president Ashok Singhal. Yadav is currently vice-president of the Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh. She is also the first woman member of the body responsible for overseeing and managing the Ram Temple.
The controversy erupted on June 7, when Samajwadi Party leader Tej Narayan ‘Pawan’ Pandey alleged that between ₹ 5 crore and ₹ 7.5 crore in temple offerings had been diverted. The Uttar Pradesh government constituted the first special investigation team (SIT) on June 13. An FIR was registered on June 25 against eight named accused and other unidentified people under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita dealing with offences including criminal breach of trust, cheating, theft and criminal conspiracy, as well as provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Upon learning of Bhagchandka’s appointment, VHP international president Alok Kumar welcomed the move, describing him as a “frontline soldier” of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
All eight named accused – Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu, Manish Yadav, Subhash Srivastava, Avinash Shukla, Rama Shankar Mishra and Karunesh Pandey – were arrested the following day. A second SIT was constituted in July after the Supreme Court directed an investigation led by an IPS officer. Nearly ₹ 80 lakh was recovered from their homes, according to the investigation.
