Ayodhya/Lucknow: Newly appointed general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Swami Govind Dev Giri on Friday said that his predecessor, Champat Rai, who resigned over temple donation theft row, is “completely innocent and his integrity has always been impeccable and unquestionable”.Sharing his plan after taking over as general secretary, Giri said his priority would be to turn the Ram Temple into a prime centre that works in the service of the nation.“I was able to give limited time to the overall working of the temple all this while because of my busy schedule. I remain extremely busy with my religious engagements and programmes. My events are pre-decided for a year,” said Giri, who served the Ram Temple Trust as treasurer before being elevated as general secretary.Giri said he, along with new CEO Air Marshal (retd) Jeetendra Mishra, would bring systems and processes in place and take the temple forward to the path of progress.“No clash would take place between the trustees and the CEO. They all will work for the same goal which is to meet the expectations of the devotees,” he said.“Though the money allegedly embezzled by the cash counting staff members was nominal, the issue was blown out of proportion by some people who had vested interest. It is clear that some people are conspiring to tarnish the image of Ayodhya,” Giri claimed.Speaking on the role of Champat Rai, Giri said he was involved with planning, foundation, construction and initial functioning of the Ram Temple for the past six years. “His gentle behaviour and nobility went against him. He used to trust people blindly because of his nature. He could not distinguish between honest and dishonest people due to lack of judgement. His personal conduct cannot be questioned.”After an FIR was lodged to investigate the donation theft case in June, several people pointed fingers at Rai and another trust member Anil Mishra who had financial and administrative powers.Eight people, including six cash counting staff members, were arrested. The Trust formally announced the resignation of Rai and Mishra on June 28. In the next emergency meeting on July 6, another trustee Krishna Mohan was appointed the interim general secretary.In its meeting on Sept 2, Swami Govind Dev Giri was elevated to the post of general secretary while Mahesh Bhagchandaka was appointed the treasurer. Advocate Madan Mohan Pandey and educationist Nirmala Yadav were also brought onboard as Trust members. Currently, the Temple Trust has 11 permanent members and four ex-officio members.
