New Delhi, July 7 -- Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday broke his silence over allegations of donation embezzlement linked to the Ayodhya Ram Temple, describing the accusations against him as "baseless" and saying he would address every claim only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) completes its inquiry. His statement came a day after the Trust formally accepted his resignation, even as opposition parties intensified allegations of a cover-up and renewed demands for an independent investigation.

The controversy has placed the Ram Temple Trust under increasing public scrutiny, with political parties questioning its functioning while the police investigation into the alleged do...