Ram Temple Trust names IIT‑Bombay alumnus Jagdish Aphale as secretary

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust that oversees the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has appointed IIT‑Bombay alumnus Jagdish Aphale as its first secretary and joint signatory for bank transactions. The move follows the resignation of former general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra amid allegations of embezzlement of temple donation funds.

Interim general secretary Krishna Mohan confirmed the appointment, noting that Aphale will assist the board as an external expert and has been supervising construction work on the 70‑acre temple complex. Public‑sector banks initially hesitated to accept him as a co‑operator, causing delays in fund disbursement and salary payments. The Trust plans to add a chief executive officer and other senior managers in the coming weeks, with its next board meeting scheduled for 2 September 2026.