Embezzlement at Ram Temple is a disgrace, ‘we feel humiliated’, says Nripendra Misra

The alleged embezzlement of donations to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was a disgrace, and humiliating, the temple construction committee’s chairperson Nripendra Misra said on Saturday (July 11, 2026). The temple management system would be improved to avoid a repeat of such incidents, he said. 

“This (the alleged donation theft) is a disgrace. We are not just apologetic but feeling humiliated and let down by it,” Mr. Misra told media persons, ahead of the second day of the committee’s meeting in Ayodhya. “This matter now concerns the management of the temple, and it is certain that improvements will be made to prevent a recurrence of this alleged donation theft,” he added. 

Mr. Misra, who was among the first to call for the appointment of a CEO for the temple Trust, said that a high-level committee had been established to recommend a suitable candidate. “As you know, a retired judge is leading the committee responsible for selecting a CEO. It (the high-level committee) will present its recommendations to the Trust, which will ultimately take the decision on this issue,” he said.

Following the resignations of the temple Trust’s general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra amid the scandal, the Trust is scheduled to reconvene on July 22. He was unaware of the agenda of the meeting slated for July 22, Mr. Misra said. 

“Yesterday, I assessed the ongoing construction efforts. The work on the old temple, which is being transformed into a memorial, is nearly complete. The only remaining task is to arrange for the flame that will burn continuously,” he said before the construction committee’s meeting commenced on the second day. 

“The second aspect pertains to the main memorial structure, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of the project. Therefore, the final phase of the temple construction is expected to conclude by July 30,” he said.

Several other projects, including the construction of a 4-km boundary wall and the development of an auditorium outside the temple complex, may be finalised by November or December, Mr. Misra said.