Authorities at the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya have announced a leadership shake-up after allegations that tens of millions of rupees in donations have mysteriously departed for parts unknown. The trust managing the shrine accepted the resignation of general secretary Champat Rai and installed retired forest officer Krishna Mohan as interim replacement.

The temple, inaugurated in January 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has become a top pilgrimage destination, drawing 50 million visitors annually. It replaced a 16th-century mosque torn down by Hindu mobs in 1992, an event that sparked nationwide riots and nearly 2,000 deaths.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust held its first meeting Monday after allegations surfaced last month. The trust initially denied wrongdoing, but the state government formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT). Following an interim report, police registered an embezzlement case, arrested eight people, and are questioning them.

Treasurer Govind Dev Giri announced that Rai and another official, Anil Mishra, resigned after a police complaint on 25 June. Krishna Mohan, an RSS member, steps in as interim general secretary. A new CEO post has been created, with a three-member panel to recommend candidates.

Giri disclosed that the trust had received 5.82 billion rupees ($61 million) from devotees through 31 March 2026, spending 3.19 billion rupees ($33.48 million) on upkeep. Mohan said his priority is to "identify and close any loophole so such incidents are never repeated," acknowledging the allegations have damaged trust.

The theft claims were made by a former accounts supervisor who says he was dismissed after raising internal concerns. The issue became a political row, with opposition parties questioning handling of cash, jewelry, gold, and silver. Petitions in the state high court and Supreme Court sought a court-monitored federal police investigation.

The exact amount stolen is unclear, but a former city legislator alleges over 70 million rupees ($739,550) missing. Rai had previously rejected any improper handling. Giri demanded strict action, saying the primary concern is damage to devotees' sentiments and institutional credibility. "Whether the theft was small or big comes later," he said, adding that the temple trustees did not commit the theft - it was perpetrated by people Rai trusted.

The trust will meet again on 22 July, expecting the police final report by then.