The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust in Ayodhya has immediately deactivated the digital credentials of three senior officials—Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao. The decision follows revelations by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the chadhava theft scandal, which found that these IDs were exploited to issue unauthorized VIP darshan passes.

Background and Investigation Status

Since the commencement of the Ram Temple construction in 2020, a surge in donations and offerings (chadhava) accompanied the project. In 2025, allegations emerged that a significant amount of these offerings had been siphoned off, prompting the central government to form a SIT. The team’s mandate includes tracking donation flows, scrutinising linked bank accounts and ensuring the integrity of digital processes.

Misuse of Digital IDs

The SIT’s findings indicate that senior trust officials misused their digital IDs to generate hundreds of VIP passes without proper authorization. These passes gave affluent donors preferential entry, while ordinary pilgrims faced delays. An intermediary, identified as Tinnu Yadav, allegedly profited by selling the passes, thereby amplifying the financial loss associated with the chadhava theft.

Reasoning Behind Deactivation and Its Impact

With the IDs deactivated, no "Sugam" or "Vishisht Darshan" passes can be issued under the names of the three officials. The new administration, led by Acting General Secretary Krishna Mohan, views this step as essential to restore the temple’s credibility, regain donor confidence and prevent further misuse. Simultaneously, 30 related bank accounts have been frozen, curbing potential money‑laundering activities.

Future Outlook

The SIT has yet to release its final report, but sources suggest that close associates of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra are also under scrutiny. Further evidence could lead to additional arrests or legal action. Meanwhile, the trust has ordered a comprehensive audit of all digital workflows to ensure that similar lapses do not recur.

This decisive action underscores the growing importance of cyber‑security and robust governance within religious institutions, signalling that administrative negligence will no longer be tolerated.