Faizabad Bar Files Criminal Complaint Against Ram Temple Trust Officials Over Donation Theft

The Faizabad Bar Association has filed a formal criminal complaint seeking the registration of a First Information Report against key officials of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust over the alleged theft of donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The complaint names former General Secretary Champat Rai, former Trustee Anil Mishra, and administrator Gopal Rao, alleging a well-planned conspiracy to embezzle donation money.

Background: The Original FIR and Arrests

The controversy began after an FIR was registered on June 25, 2026, following the submission of a preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Uttar Pradesh state government. Eight individuals associated with the counting of cash and valuables received as donations at the Ram Temple were arrested in connection with the case.

Following the registration of the FIR, Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra resigned from their positions, stating they were taking moral responsibility for the issue. Police have recorded statements from key individuals as part of the ongoing investigation.

What the Bar Association Complaint Alleges

The Faizabad Bar Association's complaint goes further than the original FIR by directly naming the Trust's senior leadership. The complaint alleges that all the responsible trust officers and members were clearly involved in the theft and that they formed an organised gang to steal the donation money in a planned manner.

The complaint seeks the registration of a fresh FIR against the named officials under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), including sections dealing with criminal conspiracy, theft, and criminal breach of trust. Under BNS 2023, which replaced the Indian Penal Code on July 1, 2024, criminal breach of trust is covered under Section 316, while theft is addressed under Section 303.

Legal Framework for Trust Accountability

Religious and charitable trusts in India are governed by state-level trust legislation and, where applicable, the Charitable Endowments Act. Trust officials owe fiduciary duties to the trust and its beneficiaries. Misappropriation of trust funds can attract both criminal prosecution and civil liability.

Anyone who suspects financial irregularities in a trust or charitable organisation can file a complaint with the local police or approach the Charity Commissioner of the relevant state. In criminal matters, victims and aggrieved persons can file complaints under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which governs the process of filing an FIR.

The Investigation So Far

The SIT investigation has revealed that the alleged theft involved the diversion of cash and valuables received as donations at the temple. The eight arrested individuals were primarily those involved in the physical counting and handling of the donations. The Bar Association's complaint contends that the involvement extends to the Trust's leadership, who allegedly oversaw and facilitated the conspiracy.

The matter has drawn significant public attention given the religious and cultural significance of the Ram Temple, which was inaugurated in January 2024. The Trust receives substantial daily donations from devotees visiting the temple.

Related Reading

For more on criminal complaint procedures, see our guides on how to file an FIR online in India under BNSS 2023, how to file a complaint against a police officer, and the Supreme Court's guidelines on arrest under Satender Antil.

Key Takeaways

This case raises important questions about the governance and accountability of public religious trusts in India. Religious trusts that receive public donations are subject to legal obligations regarding the proper utilisation and accounting of funds. Under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and various state-specific legislation governing religious endowments, trustees have a fiduciary duty to apply trust funds strictly in accordance with the objects of the trust and to maintain transparent financial records.

The filing of a criminal complaint by a Bar Association, rather than by the trust's own governing body or a government regulator, highlights the role of civil society in holding public institutions accountable. While anyone can file a criminal complaint regarding the alleged misappropriation of public funds, the investigation and prosecution remain the responsibility of the police and the prosecuting authority. The court will examine whether the complaint discloses a prima facie offence before directing an investigation.

For public trusts across India, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of establishing robust internal controls, conducting regular independent audits, and making financial disclosures available to the public. Trusts that handle large volumes of donations should consider implementing digital payment systems that provide automatic audit trails, segregating duties between those who collect, record, and disburse funds, and engaging external auditors to provide an independent assessment of financial management.

Key Takeaways

The Faizabad Bar Association has filed a criminal complaint against former Ram Temple Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, former Trustee Anil Mishra, and administrator Gopal Rao. The complaint alleges an organised conspiracy to steal donation money. An FIR was previously registered on June 25, leading to eight arrests. Both Champat Rai and Anil Mishra resigned taking moral responsibility. The matter is being investigated by an SIT appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government. The complaint invokes BNS provisions on criminal conspiracy, theft, and criminal breach of trust.