Senior functionaries of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, have resigned from their respective positions amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged theft and embezzlement of donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

According to reports, Champat Rai stepped down from his role as the Trust’s general secretary, while trustee Anil Mishra also resigned from his responsibilities linked to overseeing the counting of cash offerings. The developments come as the probe into alleged irregularities in handling temple donations continues to expand.

The resignations reportedly followed the registration of an FIR in connection with the alleged misappropriation of cash and valuables donated by devotees. Several individuals associated with the counting process have already been arrested, and investigators have recovered substantial amounts of cash during the course of the probe.

Sources indicated that the resignations were offered to facilitate an impartial investigation into the matter. However, there has been no official statement from the Trust detailing whether the resignations have been formally accepted.

The alleged embezzlement case has triggered political reactions, with opposition parties demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the handling of temple donations. The issue has also raised questions regarding internal oversight and security mechanisms governing donation management at the temple.

Authorities continue to investigate the matter, while further action is expected based on the findings of the ongoing probe.

The Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (MAHA TET) 2026, scheduled to be conducted on June 28, has been postponed following allegations of a question paper leak. The decision was announced after police uncovered material suspected to be linked to the examination during a raid in Thane district.

Authorities said the suspected leak came to light during an early morning operation in Bhiwandi, where individuals were allegedly found in possession of question papers that matched the actual examination material. Three people have been arrested in connection with the case, while further investigations are underway.

The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) subsequently decided to postpone the examination to maintain the integrity and transparency of the recruitment process. Officials stated that a fresh date for the examination will be announced later. Candidates will be required to download new admit cards once the revised schedule is released.

According to officials, more than six lakh candidates were expected to appear for the examination across 1,700-plus centres in the state. The postponement, announced just a day before the test, has affected thousands of aspirants preparing for teaching positions in Maharashtra schools.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the security of competitive examinations in the state, with opposition parties criticising the government over recurring allegations of paper leaks.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray were seen travelling on the same commercial flight from Mumbai to Nagpur, triggering fresh political discussions in the state.

The two leaders, who have remained political rivals in recent years, reportedly exchanged greetings and briefly interacted during the journey. Reacting to the unexpected encounter, Fadnavis remarked that the meeting of the leaders had become the “biggest news of the day”.

Thackeray was accompanied by his son and MLA Aaditya Thackeray, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and other senior leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT). The flight came at a time when Maharashtra politics has witnessed significant developments, including recent defections from the Thackeray-led party.

The shared journey quickly sparked speculation in political circles. However, leaders from the ruling alliance played down the development, describing it as a routine interaction between political opponents rather than an indication of any new political understanding.

While the brief interaction generated considerable attention, no political discussions or meetings beyond customary greetings were officially reported.