Champat Rai faces fresh allegations regarding embezzlement at Shri Ram Nivas temple, deepening ongoing trust controversies. Harishankar Safriwala filed a complaint with SIT, claiming Rai and his associates planned a 5.8 crore rupee deal and allegedly misappropriated 70 lakh rupees.
Property Misuse and Alleged Sale
Safriwala alleged Rai illegally occupied temple property and attempted unauthorized sale despite the land’s devottar status, requesting SIT to review temple ownership and secure divine idols.
Background and Appointment Details
Safriwala, head of Panch Committee overseeing Shri Ram Nivas, Barhata, Ramkot, was appointed by Mahant Ramgopal Das in 1987. Temple registration occurred February 2, 2018, naming him chief executive and administrative head. On August 11, 2021, he appointed Virendra Das as temple Mahant with strict property sale restrictions.
Ayodhya Ram Temple Scam: Chhampat Rai Accused of Crores Embezzlement, SIT Investigation Demanded
Harishankar Safriwala alleges illegal sale, mismanagement, and 70 lakh rupees embezzlement at Shri Ram Nivas Temple, seeks SIT probe pic.twitter.com/u7kQnfZ8Jv— The Bharat Post (@TheBharatPost__) July 13, 2026
Alleged Misappropriation Details
The complaint stated Rai collaborated with others to transact temple property for 5.8 crore rupees. A notarized document listed the land as devottar property, yet 70 lakh rupees allegedly never entered temple accounts.
Alleged Temple Takeover and Asset Seizure
Safriwala claimed Rai blocked committee access to the temple, seized office, furniture, idols, jewelry, and decorated beds, including gold-silver vessels.
Financial Irregularities with Tenants
The complaint alleged extra cash collection from shops and buildings under the pretext of vacating premises, without proper accounting.
SIT Investigation Demands
The complainant requested: restoration of temple control to original committee, return of divine idols and jewelry, office and asset recovery, 70 lakh rupees recovery, identification of all involved, audit of assets sold or removed, and compensation of at least five crore if SIT deems necessary.
