Amid the controversy surrounding the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Treasurer Govind Dev Giri has issued a detailed two-page statement, distancing himself from the donation counting process and calling for a comprehensive and impartial investigation.
Describing the alleged embezzlement of temple offerings as an "unbelievable" incident, Giri said it had deeply hurt the sentiments of Lord Ram's devotees. He also noted that reports suggesting the alleged theft had continued over a considerable period were particularly distressing for worshippers.
In his statement addressed to devotees, Giri clarified that he had never sought or campaigned for the position of trustee or treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. He said that serving Lord Ram in any capacity was both a privilege and a source of personal fulfilment, adding that he prayed for the well-being of all.
Giri said he visits Ayodhya every one to one-and-a-half months for trust-related responsibilities and has never claimed reimbursement for air travel or any other travel expenses from the trust. He described his role as an act of selfless service dedicated to Lord Ram.
He further stated that, as treasurer, audited records of the trust's income and expenditure have been properly maintained since the beginning and remain available for inspection by authorised individuals whenever required.
Explaining his responsibilities, Giri said maintaining the trust's accounts forms part of his role. However, due to his frequent travel, chartered accountants from the trust's Pune office visit Ayodhya during the last four to five days of every month to review the accounts, assist the local office staff, and provide necessary financial guidance.
The treasurer also asserted that since becoming a trustee, he has never personally accepted cash donations or gifts on behalf of the temple. He cited only two exceptions—a donation of ₹11,000 from his late elderly sister and a one-kilogram silver brick presented by Neelam Go-Heji in Pune. According to Giri, official receipts were immediately issued for both donations, and apart from these instances, he has accepted only cheque donations.
Clarifying his financial authority, Giri said all trust expenditures are processed directly through banking channels. He stated that he is not an authorised signatory for the trust's bank accounts, does not possess a cheque book, and that no payments are made in cash, with all financial transactions carried out exclusively through bank transfers.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the counting of temple donations, Giri said he has never been associated with the section where offerings deposited in the temple's hundi are counted. He explained that, as a resident of Pune who frequently travels for religious discourses, he is not involved in the trust's day-to-day operational activities. According to him, donation counting has always been managed by local trustees. He also said the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the counting process was jointly prepared by the local trustees and the State Bank of India, and that he saw the SOP for the first time only last month.
Referring to the alleged theft, Giri said determining the amount stolen, the timing of the incident, and the manner in which it occurred were matters that should be established through investigation. He urged that the alleged crime be investigated thoroughly and impartially, expressing confidence in the Special Investigation Team (SIT), the police, and the judicial process to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Reaffirming the trust's commitment to transparency, Giri said devotees of Lord Ram stand for truth and uphold the ideals of Maryada Purushottam Lord Ram. He appealed to the police and investigating agencies to identify everyone responsible and ensure that the courts impose strict punishment, irrespective of the accused's identity or position.
He also urged fellow trustees to strengthen safeguards by introducing a foolproof management system based on expert recommendations. According to Giri, the revised system should ensure stricter monitoring, complete transparency in the counting of donations, and accurate accounting of every contribution made by devotees.
Concluding his statement, Giri expressed confidence that, with the blessings of Lord Ram, all doubts surrounding the controversy would eventually be resolved and the uncertainty created by the alleged crime would come to an end. He said efforts would continue to make the Ram Lalla temple an ideal place of worship and asserted that no attempt to tarnish the image of Sanatan Dharma or the Ram Temple would ultimately succeed.
