Amid the controversy over alleged irregularities in donations linked to Ayodhya, Ram Mandir Trust General Secretary Champat Rai has stepped down from his position, according to sources. The reported move comes as the donation dispute continues to escalate, with an FIR already registered and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the allegations.

The development is being viewed as a major setback for the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), where Rai is regarded as one of the organisation's most influential leaders.

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Sources said the decision follows growing concerns within the VHP over the political and public fallout from the donation controversy.

According to sources, a high-level VHP meeting was held in Ayodhya a day before the FIR in the donation case was registered. The meeting reportedly focused on the controversy, the SIT investigation and its potential impact on the organisation.

Sources further claimed that several people named in the case have close links with senior figures associated with the trust. Tinnu Yadav is said to be a close associate of Champat Rai, while Lavkesh and Anukalp are believed to have close ties with trustee Anil Mishra.