New Delhi, 05 July (H.S.):

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Treasurer Govind Dev Giri Maharaj has issued his first public statement on the alleged theft of offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, clarifying that he has never been associated with the counting of offerings or the procedures involved. He said he is neither supporting nor opposing anyone in the case, but stands firmly with the truth, and asserted that those responsible must be identified and punished.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Govind Giri Maharaj said he was deeply hurt, saddened, and ashamed by the alleged theft of devotees' offerings. He said, How much was stolen, when it happened, and how it happened are all matters for investigation. The inquiry must be conducted thoroughly. Have faith in the investigating agency. The court will perform its duty. We trust the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the police. The guilty will not escape. Everyone should have complete faith in the investigation and the judicial process. We are neither in favour of anyone nor against anyone. We stand with the truth. Our only request is that the investigating agency identify the culprits and ensure they are punished.

Before leaving for Ayodhya, Govind Giri Maharaj made a public appeal explaining his position on the matter. He said the unbelievable incidents of alleged misappropriation of offerings at the Ayodhya temple had deeply wounded the sentiments of Lord Ram's devotees. He stated that some individuals allegedly committed the grave sin of stealing silver, gold ornaments, and other offerings during the counting process, adding that the incident had left him deeply hurt, distressed, and ashamed.

In his statement, Govind Giri Maharaj also clarified several issues relating to the temple's financial administration. He said the entire record of funds deposited into the temple treasury is secure and can be examined by authorised persons at any time. He further explained that all expenditure incurred by the Ram Temple Trust is made directly through banking channels and that he is not an authorised signatory for those transactions.

Clarifying his role in the management of offerings, he said, From the very beginning, I have never had any connection with the place where offerings deposited by devotees in the hundi are counted. My residence is in Pune, and I travel continuously to deliver religious discourses. Counting offerings is a routine daily activity, which has always been supervised by the local trustees. They, in coordination with the State Bank of India, prepared the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the counting process. I was shown the SOP only this month.

Govind Giri Maharaj further stated that he had never sought the position of trustee or treasurer. Since becoming a trustee, except on one or two rare occasions, he has never personally accepted cash donations or gifts in kind for the temple. He said that apart from cheques, he has never accepted any contribution from any individual. He also clarified that although he visits Ayodhya every month or month-and-a-half for Trust-related work, none of his air travel or other travel expenses are borne by the Trust.

He also addressed concerns regarding valuable silver donated to the temple. According to him, the 200 silver bricks, weighing approximately 200 kilograms and donated by members of the Sindhi community, have been properly entered into the register of valuable metals. He said the silver has been recast into standard silver bars and is securely stored in a locker at the State Bank of India, Ayodhya branch.

Expressing confidence in the judicial process, Govind Giri Maharaj said that by the grace of Lord Ram, the truth would emerge soon and all doubts would be removed. He added that greater vigilance and caution would be exercised in the future and expressed confidence that no attempt to tarnish the reputation of Sanatan Dharma or the Ram Temple would ultimately succeed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar