Ayodhya: Temple Building Committee chairman Ram Nripendra Mishra on Saturday described the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya temple as a “disgrace” and said everyone associated with the project felt humiliated by the incident.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the second day of the Ram Temple Construction Committee meeting, Mishra said the alleged theft had tarnished the reputation of the temple but expressed confidence that the management system would be strengthened to prevent similar incidents.
“This is a disgrace and we not only apologise, we feel humiliated and disappointed by this,” he said.
Mishra said the matter now falls under the management of the temple and assured that steps will be taken to improve surveillance and prevent any recurrence.
He also reiterated his support for the appointment of a chief executive for the temple trust, saying a high-level committee headed by a retired judge had been formed to recommend a suitable candidate.
Responding to speculation that the Trust may appoint a woman as CEO, Mishra declined to comment, saying the committee would submit its recommendations before the Trust takes a decision.
After accepting the resignations of temple trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra amid the donation theft controversy, the trust is scheduled to meet again on July 22 to discuss steps to strengthen the temple’s management system.
