Ram Temple Donation Theft: PM Modi's Former Advisor Nripendra Mishra Seen As Front-Runner For Mandir Trust CEO

Jagran Correspondent, Ayodhya | Amid the ongoing SIT (Special Investigation Team) investigation into the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case, speculation has begun that Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee and former IAS officer, could be appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

The SIT's recommendation to appoint an administrative officer as CEO of the Trust, and his recent statements, have strengthened this possibility. It is believed that he could be appointed as CEO after the term of the Chairman of the Temple Construction Committee ends, due to the completion of the construction of the temples in the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. However, this appointment is likely to be made only after the SIT investigation is complete.

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Following the discovery of embezzlement during the counting of donation funds, Mishra, as Chairman of the Construction Committee, visited Ayodhya twice (June 9 and 13), and both times he remained silent on the matter in front of local media.

Nripendra Mishra Acknowledges Donations Theft

Meanwhile, when the state government constituted an SIT to investigate the matter in detail, and the three members arrived, a series of statements by former IAS officer emerged in the media within a few days. In these remarks, he not only admitted to the theft of donations but even called it a "robbery."

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He also acknowledged a major lapse in financial transparency on the part of the trustees and stressed the need to strengthen oversight at every level. As the SIT investigation uncovered irregularities at every level and news began circulating in the media, he explicitly defended Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, declaring him innocent.

In its preliminary report, the SIT recommended an administrative officer as CEO. The possibility is further strengthened by the fact that his tenure as chairman of the construction committee is ending soon.

Who Is Nripendra Mishra?

Mishra has been a member of the trust since its inception. All construction has taken place under his direction. He has also served as an advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Principal Secretary in the PMO. He has extensive administrative experience. In such a situation, the chances of any other officer being appointed as CEO are very slim.
(With Jagran.com Inputs)