Ram Temple Trust appoints IIT Bombay alumnus Jagdish Aphale as first secretary

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed IIT Bombay alumnus Jagdish Aphale as its first secretary, entrusting him with overseeing the Trust's financial transactions and key administrative responsibilities.

The appointment comes as the Trust seeks to strengthen its governance framework in the wake of the controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in temple donations.

Aphale will serve as a joint signatory for the Trust's financial transactions, a move aimed at enhancing accountability and improving oversight of its financial operations.

The newly created position is expected to play a central role in streamlining the Trust's functioning and reinforcing institutional mechanisms for administration and financial management.

The appointment follows recent organisational changes within the Trust after allegations related to the handling of donations prompted calls for greater transparency.

Aphale, an IIT Bombay graduate, has been associated with the Ram Temple project and is regarded as one of the key professionals involved in its construction. His appointment marks the first time the Trust has created the post of secretary.

The appointment comes amid an ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings at the Ram Mandir.

The investigation is being conducted by a three-member SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government following directions from the Supreme Court. The probe is underway.