Ram Temple Trust taps IIT Bombay alum as new secretary after donation theft row

The Ram temple trust is set for an administrative revamp, with engineer Jagdish Aafle tipped to become its first secretary. The move follows a donation embezzlement controversy, an SIT probe and the exit of senior office-bearers. The trust is also selecting a spokesperson, with key appointments expected to be finalised on September 2.Ayodhya Ram Mandir (Image courtesy: PTI)The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to restructure its administrative setup, with engineer Jagdish Aafle emerging as the frontrunner for the newly created secretary’s post, sources told India Today.The secretary’s post has been created as part of an administrative overhaul aimed at managing the expanding operations of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, PTI reported, citing sources.Aafle, who has served as the project manager for the temple’s construction, is expected to be appointed at the trust’s executive meeting on September 2, sources told India Today.Interim General Secretary Krishna Mohan has confirmed that Aafle’s name is under consideration. The trust is also looking for a spokesperson, although the selection process has not yet resulted in a final choice. Aafle is from Pune and has an engineering background, holding a BTech in Electrical Engineering and an MTech from IIT Bombay. He has professional experience in India as well as Europe and the US and returned to the country after retiring.His association with the temple project dates back to its initial construction phase. Aafle came on board as an honorary project manager after his name was recommended by the RSS, according to PTI. He currently lives in Ayodhya with his wife on the premises of the trust. Aafle has also had a longstanding association with the RSS, having been connected with the organisation since childhood.The administrative changes come in the wake of a controversy over irregularities in the handling of donations. In June, the trust called for a probe into the diversion of cash offerings, leading to the formation of a Special Investigation Team.The SIT submitted its preliminary report later that month, following which police registered a case and arrested eight people in connection with the financial irregularities.The controversy was followed by changes at the top of the trust, with General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra leaving their respective posts. The organisation has since been working on restructuring its administrative machinery.The trust is expected to take a final call on the secretary’s position at its September 2 meeting.- EndsInputs from PTIPublished By: Sayan GangulyPublished On: Jul 30, 2026 07:39 IST