Ram Temple Trust to Appoint First CEO After Embezzlement Scandal

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is scheduled to appoint its first full-time Chief Executive Officer during a meeting at the residence of President Nritya Gopal Das in Ayodhya. The appointment follows an administrative overhaul triggered by allegations of donation embezzlement and theft of temple offerings, which led to the arrest of eight individuals and the June resignation of general secretary Champat Rai.

A three-member search committee, led by retired Justice Pramod Kohli, shortlisted three finalists from a pool of 5,585 applicants. The selection process utilized a 600-mark Google Form and AI-assisted screening to filter candidates, who were required to be practicing Hindus aged 50 to 70 with at least 20 years of administrative experience. After virtual interactions with 108 high-scoring individuals, 16 candidates underwent final in-person interviews in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12.

Beyond the CEO appointment, the Trust is expected to name Jagdish Aafle as its first secretary and fill vacancies for a general secretary and two panel members. The board may also amend the Trust's deed to define the CEO's authority and create a legal mechanism for the potential return of Champat Rai. Trust Treasurer Govind Dev Giri noted that the board will make the final decision on the appointment to ensure superior management of the world-renowned temple.