Police have recorded the statement of Champat Rai in connection with the investigation of theft of Ram Mandir donations. In this case, statements of about 140 witnesses will be recorded one by one. The next witnesses in this process will be Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao. Sources said that Champat Rai has been interrogated, but if needed during the investigation, statements of other senior officials of the Trust will also be recorded later. In this case, Ayodhya Bar Association President Kalika Prasad Mishra said, “No lawyer will represent the accused in this case and if anyone does so, a fine of Rs 5 lakh will be imposed on him.” On Sunday, the investigation into alleged misappropriation of Ram temple donation gained momentum when a police team reached the house of accused Avinash Shukla in Ayodhya.

Speaking to the media on this matter, Abhishek Shukla, brother of the accused, said that if any member of the family is found involved in misusing temple funds, the family will not support him. Earlier, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra (Trust) said in an official statement, "We are shocked, hurt and deeply saddened by the incidents that have unfolded in the last few days regarding the Shri Ram Temple. We are committed to conducting an impartial investigation and providing reassurance to the devotees."

#WATCH | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh | alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case. Kalika Prasad Mishra, President, Ayodhya Bar Association says, “No lawyer will represent the accused in the case and if anyone does, a fine of Rs 5 lakh will be imposed on them” https://t.co/6qBJejQvzj pic.twitter.com/uqZqaLDnKu

— ANI (@ANI) June 29, 2026

The Trust also informed that it has received the resignations of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra (Trust) General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra. "The resignations of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra (Trust) General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra have been received. The Trust will consider the matter in its next meeting," the statement said.

Assuring the devotees, the Trust said that all the valuables, including silver bricks and jewelery personally handed over by the devotees as offerings to Lord Ram, have been returned. All these are safe and their complete accounts have been kept. “The Trust assures the devotees who have personally handed over items like silver bars and jewelery to the Trust officials for offering to Lord Ram, that these items are safe and fully accounted for,” the Trust said. The Trust further expressed confidence that the truth will prevail. He said, "Darkness will finally disappear and the light of truth will shine. The unbroken flow of glory of Lord Shri Ram will always continue."