Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has refused to resign over the alleged Ram Temple donation theft. He said the trust is not directly responsible and blamed SBI employees involved in cash counting. He supported the SIT investigation, denied rumours of his resignation, and said around ₹3 crore may have been stolen, though this is only his personal estimate. The trust has introduced stricter security measures and assured that all valuable donations are safe.
Blames SBI Employees for the Incident
Giri Maharaj said that all the people arrested in the case are employees of the State Bank of India (SBI). According to him, SBI was responsible for appointing these employees and should have properly verified their background and monitored their work. He said the trust expected the bank to maintain financial discipline and ensure proper supervision of donation counting.
Estimated Loss Around ₹3 Crore
When asked about the amount involved, Giri Maharaj said his personal estimate is that around ₹3 crore may have been stolen. However, he clarified that this is only his personal estimate and should not be treated as the official figure.
Supports SIT Investigation
The treasurer said he is satisfied with the investigation being conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). He also welcomed the Supreme Court’s monitoring of the case and said the trust would fully cooperate with the investigation without interfering in its work.
Denies Reports of Resignation
Giri Maharaj dismissed reports claiming that he had decided to resign. He said such reports were false and malicious. He added that he believes in facing challenges instead of leaving his responsibilities.
Comments on Champat Rai’s Resignation
Speaking about the resignation of the trust’s General Secretary, Champat Rai, Giri Maharaj said Rai resigned voluntarily. According to the trust’s rules, once a resignation is submitted, it is automatically considered accepted. He also said Rai’s negligence contributed to the situation and that Rai himself realised this before resigning.
Treasurer Explains His Role
Giri Maharaj said his responsibility as treasurer is to supervise the money deposited in the trust’s bank accounts. He added that five chartered accountants regularly verify the trust’s accounts. He clarified that the alleged theft involved donations collected in temple donation boxes and not the money deposited in the trust’s bank accounts.
Donation Counting Handled by SBI
The treasurer explained that the counting and accounting of cash collected from donation boxes is handled by SBI. He said the trust relied on the bank’s financial expertise and expected its officials to ensure transparency and proper monitoring during the counting process.
Trust Introduces New Security Measures
Following the incident, the trust has introduced several new security measures to prevent similar cases in the future. These include requiring staff handling cash to wear clothes without pockets, removing CCTV blind spots, counting cash on floor mats instead of tables, ensuring the presence of two trust representatives and two SBI officials during cash counting, and conducting frisking of all personnel entering and leaving the counting area.
Calls It a Crime Against Lord Ram
Giri Maharaj described the alleged theft as a crime against Lord Ram. He said the trust feels ashamed that such an incident took place and is committed to ensuring that similar mistakes are not repeated.
Rejects Allegations of Missing Gold Donations
The treasurer also rejected reports claiming that gold and other valuable offerings worth ₹1,400 crore had gone missing. He called these reports completely false and exaggerated. He said the trust has a register containing details of 2,926 valuable donated items and has invited donors to verify that their offerings are safe.
No White Paper for Now
Giri Maharaj said the trust will not release any white paper on the issue at present because the SIT investigation is still underway. He added that strict action should be taken against those found guilty.
