TNI Bureau: General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra have stepped down from their positions amid the controversy surrounding the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, according to sources.

Sources said a high-level VHP meeting was held in Ayodhya before the registration of an FIR in the case. The meeting was attended by Champat Rai, trustee Dr Anil Mishra, construction in-charge Gopal Rao, VHP General Secretary Bajrang Lal Bagra, Central Organising Secretary Milind Parande and Central Joint Organising Secretary Vinayak Rao.

Discussions focused on the donation controversy, the SIT probe and the impact of the allegations on the organisation. Sources said the VHP was concerned that the controversy involving senior functionaries was affecting its image. It is also alleged that accused Tinnu Yadav is a close associate of Rai, while Lavkesh and Anukalp are linked to trustee Mishra.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested all eight accused in the alleged donation embezzlement case after registering the first FIR in connection with the alleged misappropriation of devotees’ donations. Police are questioning the accused to determine how the alleged fraud was carried out, the role of each individual and since when the misappropriation had been taking place. Investigators are also examining whether more people were involved and if the alleged embezzlement was part of a larger organised racket. Further investigation is underway.