An ABP News interview in Ayodhya with Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri became controversial after tough questions were raised over the Ram temple donation theft case. During the interview, ABP News reporter Vishal Pandey questioned him about the number of accused, the responsibility of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, and whether the trust knew about the alleged theft earlier. Govind Dev Giri said Champat Rai was informed about the issue in early June and initially tried to resolve it personally before seeking an SIT probe. He admitted that there was a delay in filing a police complaint, calling it a result of carelessness, but denied any attempt to protect anyone. He said he did not believe Champat Rai was involved, but suggested that trusting the wrong people and negligence may have contributed. He claimed a personal servant and driver were allegedly linked to the wrongdoing. Govind Dev Giri said the trust would take corrective steps after the final SIT report and apologized to devotees, accepting that everyone in the trust shared responsibility.

