Ayodhya. Following the alleged theft of offerings at the Ram Temple, administrative changes are underway at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Trust held its third meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, and decided to appoint a new CEO, general secretary, treasurer, and three new trustees. Former Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Trust. Retired IFS officer Krishna Mohan has resigned as acting general secretary. Maharaj Govinddev Giri has been appointed as his replacement, while Mahesh Bhagchandka has been appointed as treasurer.

Three new trustees appointed

Mahesh Bhagchandka of Delhi, advocate Madan Mohan Pandey of Ayodhya, and Nirmala Yadav of Shikohabad have been added as new trustees. Sharad Sharma, former media in-charge of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, has been appointed as the Trust's spokesperson. The meeting also announced the formation of a Prasad Committee and a Parikrama Committee to improve the temple's arrangements.

Changes Begin Following the Offering Theft Case

This reorganization of the Trust follows the offering theft case that surfaced on June 7th. Eight accused are currently in jail in this case. Previously, at a meeting held on July 2nd, the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra were accepted. Following this, retired IFS officer Krishna Mohan was appointed Acting General Secretary. On July 26th, a religious committee of nine saints was formed, and the application process for the CEO position began.

5,585 Applications for the CEO Position, 16 Candidates Interviewed

A total of 5,585 applications were received for the position of CEO of the Ram Temple Trust. Of these, 16 candidates were shortlisted for interviews. Interviews were held in Ayodhya on August 11th and 12th. Each candidate was interviewed for approximately 40 to 50 minutes. The interview panel included retired Justice Pramod Kohli, former scientist Dr. Suresh Howde, and retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi. After completing the search process, the committee presented three names to the trust, of which former Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra was approved.

Who are the new trustees?

Mahesh Bhagchandka is said to be a relative of former Vishwa Hindu Parishad president Ashok Singhal. He was the chief host during the Ram Temple Bhoomi Pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) rituals in 2020. He also served as host during the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024. He has also written several books.

Advocate Madan Mohan Pandey was part of the legal team representing Ram Lalla in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. He played a role in representing the legal side of the Ram Janmabhoomi case in the Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court.

Nirmala Yadav of Shikohabad has long been associated with the RSS. She has become the first female member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Eight people named in the FIR

The FIR filed in the offering theft case names Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, Lavkush Mishra, Anukul Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Manish Yadav, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash, and Karunesh as accused. They have been charged under sections related to embezzlement, fraud, and criminal conspiracy.

The offering theft case surfaced in June

On June 7, former minister Pawan Pandey alleged the theft of ₹5 to ₹7.5 crore from the Ram Temple offerings. The following day, SP President Akhilesh Yadav also raised the issue on social media and demanded an investigation. On June 9, BJP leader Dr. Rajneesh Singh wrote to the Prime Minister demanding an investigation by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. On the same day, Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra met with trust members to discuss the issue of counting the offerings.

On June 10, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) requested a report from the Trust on the matter. However, the then General Secretary Champat Rai dismissed the allegations of offering theft. Mahipal Singh, the temple's former accounting in-charge, also raised questions about the CCTV footage. Following this, on June 13, the Uttar Pradesh government formed an SIT to investigate the matter, and on June 25, the SIT arrested eight accused.

₹2,475 crore has been spent on temple construction.

On December 13, 2025, the Trust's meeting revealed details of expenditures on temple construction and other works. It was reported that the Trust had received a total of ₹4,575 crore in the previous five years and nine months. Of this, ₹2,475 crore was spent on various works, including temple construction, expansion of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex, and land and building purchases. At that time, the Trust was reported to have a balance of approximately ₹2,100 crore.