Jagdish Aafle Appointed Ram Temple Trust Secretary Amid Overhaul

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is poised to appoint Jagdish Aafle, currently the Ram temple’s construction project manager, as its first secretary. This significant administrative shift comes as the trust undertakes a broader restructuring effort.

A New Leadership Role Emerges

The proposal for Aafle’s appointment is anticipated to receive approval at the trust’s executive meeting on September 2, with an official announcement expected shortly thereafter. Interim General Secretary Krishna Mohan has already confirmed Aafle’s nomination for this newly established position.

Beyond Aafle’s role, the trust is also actively considering several candidates for a spokesperson position. However, a final decision regarding this additional appointment has not yet been made.

Aafle’s Extensive Background

Jagdish Aafle brings a substantial background to his new role, marked by both academic distinction and professional experience. An alumnus of IIT Bombay, he holds a BTech in Electrical Engineering and an MTech degree.

• Aafle, a Pune resident originally from Maharashtra, is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
• His career includes professional stints in India, Europe, and the United States before his retirement.
• He initially joined the temple project as an honorary project manager on the RSS’s recommendation when construction commenced.
• Aafle, along with his wife, has since resided on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra premises in Ayodhya.

Restructuring Amidst Controversy

This administrative overhaul directly follows serious allegations concerning the misappropriation of cash offerings made by devotees. The controversy triggered a thorough investigation and subsequent actions.

• A Special Investigation Team was established in June to investigate the matter.
• The team submitted a preliminary report later that same month.
• Police subsequently registered an FIR and arrested eight individuals in connection with the case.
• The fallout led to the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, directly prompting the current restructuring within the temple trust.

The appointment of Jagdish Aafle and the broader administrative changes signal the trust’s focused response to recent controversies. These steps appear designed to fortify its operational framework and enhance public confidence.