New Delhi [India], July 6 (ANI): Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President Alok Kumar on Monday urged the political leaders and the public not to "mudsling" at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust until the Special Investigation Team (SIT) completes its probe in the alleged donation theft at the Ayodhya temple.
Speaking to ANI after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accepted the resignation of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra, Alok Kumar said that trustees were pained over the alleged donation embezzlement and have not defended themselves against the accusations.
The VHP leader said, "Trustees are pained that donations made to the temple were embezzled. It is unfortunate, and they did not defend this. They said that as soon as they came to know about it, they demanded that the government set up an SIT into the matter. As soon as the preliminary report of the SIT came, an FIR was lodged. The investigation should be completed on time, and the guilty should be punished. Stop mudslinging until then."
He added that Champat Rai and Anil Mishra's resignations were accepted by the Trust as it was believed that their continuing in their positions might influence the probe.
"It was being said that if Champat Rai and Anil Mishra continue in their posts, they can influence the investigation. So, their resignations were accepted, respecting their sentiments. Trustee Krishna Mohan has been entrusted with the responsibility. It will be decided later as to what is to be done next. A search committee has been announced to find a CEO. Trustees have assured society that all valuable articles given as donations are all safe," he said.
Alok Kumar added, "Allegations are being made by several people; they might have some information or documents or statements. All of them have been urged that if their statements are serious, they should report it to SIT."
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accepted the resignation of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra following a high-level meeting on Monday, Trust Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj said.
The Trust also decided to remove Gopal Nagarkote from the list of special invitee members. The Trust has appointed trustee Krishna Mohan to discharge the responsibilities of General Secretary until a new appointment is made.
It also constituted a three-member committee comprising retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and Suresh Havde to recommend candidates for the post of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Hitting out at Opposition parties, Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj said, "Justice will prevail, and the guilty will be punished. We have faith in the judicial system; my earnest appeal is do not believe the rumours." (ANI)
