The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed IIT Bombay alumnus Jagdish Aphale as its first secretary, bringing an experienced project manager into a key administrative role at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Aphale’s appointment comes at a sensitive time for the trust, which is facing scrutiny over allegations of irregularities and theft involving donations made by devotees. His new position is expected to strengthen the temple trust’s administration and financial oversight as it works to improve its internal systems.
A civil engineer by training, Aphale is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. He played an important role in the construction of the Ram Temple and worked as the project’s manager during the building phase. His experience with the temple project has now placed him at the centre of efforts to streamline its administration.
As secretary, Aphale is expected to handle the day-to-day functioning of the trust and coordinate several administrative responsibilities. He will also be a joint signatory for the trust’s financial transactions, giving him a direct role in overseeing the movement and management of temple funds.
The appointment is particularly significant because the Ram Temple donation controversy has raised questions about the systems used to collect, count and account for offerings made by devotees.
The controversy escalated in June after allegations emerged that cash and valuables donated at the Ayodhya shrine had been misappropriated. Uttar Pradesh Police subsequently registered an FIR against eight people following a complaint from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The case involves allegations of theft, embezzlement and misappropriation of donations.
Eight people were arrested in connection with the case, while investigators recovered nearly ₹80 lakh from the homes of seven accused, according to reports. The developments also led to the resignations of two prominent trust members, including general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra.
The alleged donation theft has therefore become more than a criminal investigation. It has also triggered questions about governance, financial controls and accountability within the organisation managing one of India’s most prominent religious sites.
The trust had earlier responded by restructuring some of its financial and administrative responsibilities. An interim three-member team was formed to handle banking-related activities. The team included retired Indian Forest Service officer Krishna Mohan, Aphale and chartered accountant Chandan Rai.
Aphale’s elevation to the secretary’s post now gives that administrative restructuring a more permanent shape. His technical background and familiarity with the temple project are expected to help the trust manage its expanding operations.
The Ram Temple has become a major pilgrimage destination since the opening of the temple’s first phase. With large numbers of devotees visiting Ayodhya, the trust has to manage not only religious activities but also significant administrative, financial and logistical operations.
The scale of donations and visitor footfall makes transparent financial management particularly important. The latest appointment appears aimed at bringing greater oversight to those functions at a time when the trust is dealing with questions over its handling of devotees’ offerings.
The donation controversy began after allegations that employees involved in counting temple offerings had been stealing cash and valuables. Police action followed an internal complaint and an investigation by a Special Investigation Team. The SIT submitted a preliminary report to the Uttar Pradesh government before the FIR was registered.
The investigation has also brought former trust officials under scrutiny. Reports have raised questions about the recruitment of temple staff and the functioning of the system used to manage donations. These developments have increased pressure on the trust to demonstrate stronger internal controls.
The appointment of an IIT Bombay-trained engineer who was closely involved in the temple’s construction also reflects a shift towards a more structured administrative approach. The trust’s immediate challenge will be to balance the temple’s religious responsibilities with the demands of managing a large and increasingly complex institution
The trust’s decision to give Aphale a formal role in administration and financial transactions is therefore likely to be closely watched. His appointment comes as the donation theft investigation continues and the temple management seeks to strengthen governance.
The coming months will show whether the administrative changes can restore confidence and create tighter safeguards around donations.
