While the investigation into the case of theft in the offerings of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust is still going on, Champat Rai is again seen embroiled in controversy due to another allegation of land scam. Harishankar Safriwala, a resident of Ayodhya, has directly accused Champat Rai of usurping and forcibly occupying the temple. Complainant Harishankar Safriwala has given a complaint to the SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government, alleging embezzlement of crores of rupees in Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, misuse of donated funds, illegal occupation of temple properties, buying and selling of property by preparing fake documents and financial irregularities.
It has been said in the complaint that an impartial investigation should be conducted into the role of Champat Rai and his associates in all these cases. Harishankar Safriwala alleges that he is the head of the Panch Committee of Shri Ram Niwas Temple, Barhata, Ramkot (Ayodhya). He was appointed by the then Mahant Ramgopal Das on 30 December 1987. Later on 2 February 2018, the management of the temple was duly registered, according to which he is the chief executive and administrative head of the temple.
appointment of Mahant
According to the complaint, on August 11, 2021, the applicant, using his powers, appointed Virendra Das alias Veeru as the Mahant of the temple. A clear condition was laid down in the appointment letter that no property of the temple could be sold without the permission of the committee.
accused of selling property
Complainant Hari Shankar Safriwala has alleged that despite Champat Rai knowing that the temple and its land are deity property, which cannot be bought or sold, he along with other people finalized the deal for about Rs 5 crore 80 lakh. In the registered statement deed, in which Champat Rai’s photo is attached, the land has also been described as Devottara property.
It is alleged that Rs 70 lakh was given as advance for this deal and a document named Bayanama without possession was registered on 22 December 2022. Complainant Hari Shankar alleges that this amount was not deposited in the temple account but was allegedly embezzled.
Accusation of occupying the temple
It has been said in the complaint that the entry of the applicant and other Panches into the temple premises was stopped and the temple office was captured. It is alleged that apart from the cupboard, furniture and other items of the temple, the idol of God, his jewellery, gold plated bed and gold and silver utensils were also seized.
Allegation of missing jewelery
The complainant has claimed that there is no clear account of the jewelery of the deities in the temple. It is alleged that a registered notice in this regard was sent on August 2, 2024, but no response was received.
It has also been alleged in the complaint that complaints were made to different administrative officers, police officers and trust officials, but no action was taken.
Accused of recovery from tenants
Hari Shankar alleges that in the name of vacating the temple shops and buildings, in addition to checks or drafts, cash was also taken, for which no account is available.
Major demands made in the complaint to SIT
1. The possession of Ram Niwas temple should be returned to its original management committee.
2. The idols of all the gods and goddesses of the temple and their jewelery should be returned safely and they should be examined.
3. The temple premises should be vacated and its office, furniture and other items should be returned to the Panchayat Samiti.
4. The Rs 70 lakh given on the basis of alleged fake declaration without possession should be deposited back in the trust.
5. The entire matter should be investigated to find out how many people of the trust were involved in this alleged irregularity, how much money was embezzled and which properties of the temple were removed or sold.
6. If the SIT deems it appropriate, a compensation of at least Rs 5 crore should be given to the temple management committee to compensate for the loss incurred.
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