VHP not responsible for Ram Temple donation theft case, action against Champat Rai only after probe: Alok Kumar

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has denied responsibility for the alleged donation theft case at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, saying it will wait for the investigation to establish the facts before considering any action against its vice president Champat Rai.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, VHP international president Alok Kumar said the incident was “very unfortunate” and had hurt the sentiments of Hindus worldwide. He said there should be no attempt to justify the allegations and that the police and Special Investigation Team (SIT) must conduct a detailed probe into all individuals involved.

Responding to questions over whether the controversy had affected the VHP’s credibility, Kumar said the organisation was not responsible for the management of the temple.

“After the Supreme Court judgment, I had clarified that the job of the VHP was over. Construction of the temple and running it is not our responsibility,” he said.

On Champat Rai, who stepped down as general secretary of the temple trust following the SIT probe, Kumar said Rai was appointed to the trust post independently and did not represent the VHP in that role.

He rejected demands for immediate action against Rai, saying no allegation had been made against him directly so far and that the investigation should be allowed to conclude first.

Kumar said the VHP had already demanded strict action, including filing an FIR, a prompt investigation by senior officers, a fast-track trial and punishment for those found guilty within four to five months.

On reports that a driver had access to the strong room where funds were kept, Kumar said the driver had been arrested, money had been recovered and the legal process would take its course.

Asked about Rai’s possible responsibility, Kumar said he could be accused of negligence if the investigation established it.

He added that negligence would also be considered a crime and said no one, regardless of position, would be spared if found guilty.

Kumar said the temple trust’s complaint sought a comprehensive investigation covering all individuals, not just the eight people arrested so far.

He reiterated that the VHP would wait for the outcome of the inquiry before deciding its next steps regarding Rai.