Lucknow: The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has taken a significant turn after Uttar Pradesh Police uncovered what investigators describe as a carefully planned operation to siphon off cash from the temple’s donation-counting centre. Fresh disclosures made during the custodial interrogation of one of the arrested accused have prompted investigators to widen the scope of the probe, with officials now examining financial transactions, property acquisitions, surveillance footage and the possible involvement of additional individuals.
According to police sources, the alleged racket operated through a sophisticated method designed to avoid detection. During questioning, arrested accused Avinash Shukla reportedly revealed that cash allegedly stolen during the counting of devotees’ donations was temporarily hidden inside washrooms located within the temple complex. The money was then allegedly removed in small quantities over a period of time, allowing those involved to avoid attracting suspicion from security personnel.
Investigators believe the accused had conducted a detailed study of the donation-counting centre before carrying out the alleged theft. Police sources said the group was familiar with the layout of the facility, including CCTV camera positions, entry and exit routes, and the movement of staff involved in the counting process. This knowledge allegedly enabled them to exploit vulnerabilities within the highly secured premises.
Another major revelation emerging from the probe relates to the alleged misuse of CCTV blind spots. According to investigators, while one member of the group allegedly removed cash from counted donations, other accused would position themselves around the individual, creating a human shield that obstructed the surveillance cameras’ field of vision. Police are now conducting a detailed analysis of CCTV footage to verify these claims and reconstruct the sequence of events inside the donation-counting centre.
The investigation has also raised questions about access to the highly secured counting room. During interrogation, Shukla allegedly claimed that one of the two keys to the room remained with co-accused Ramshankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu, despite his not being directly involved in the counting process. The second key was reportedly held by bank officials supervising the counting of donations. Police are expected to question Yadav to determine whether possession of the key played any role in facilitating unauthorised access to the room.
Beyond the alleged theft itself, investigators are closely tracking the financial trail linked to the accused. Authorities suspect that a portion of the allegedly embezzled money may have been invested in land parcels, hostels and residential properties. Property records, bank transactions and other financial documents are currently being scrutinised to determine whether the assets acquired by the accused are disproportionate to their known sources of income.
Police have also reported substantial recoveries during searches conducted at the residences of the accused. According to officials, cash amounting to Rs 79.85 lakh has been seized so far, along with gold jewellery and silver ornaments. The largest recovery was allegedly made from Avinash Shukla, from whose possession police claim to have recovered Rs 20.39 lakh, 1,121 US dollars, two gold chains, a gold ring and a silver-coloured metal object.
Other recoveries cited by investigators include Rs 18.07 lakh from Karunesh Pandey, Rs 16.82 lakh from Anukalp Mishra, Rs 14.25 lakh from Lav Kush Mishra, Rs 7.32 lakh from Ramashankar Mishra, Rs 2 lakh from Manish Yadav and Rs 1 lakh from Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu. Police stated that no recoveries were made from the residence of Subhash Srivastava.
As part of the continuing investigation, police teams have carried out extensive searches at multiple locations, including the residence of Lav Kush Mishra in Thakuran Phagauli village under Rudauli Kotwali. Officers searched the house as well as surrounding areas, including haystacks and storage spaces, in an effort to recover additional evidence, cash or valuables allegedly connected to the case. The search operation attracted considerable attention from local residents.
So far, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. Those in custody include Avinash Shukla, Ramshankar alias Tinnu Yadav, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Karunesh Pandey, Manish Yadav, Ramashankar Mishra and Subhash Srivastava.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has extended the deadline for the SIT probing the alleged donation-related irregularities until July 15. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approved the SIT’s request for additional time and directed the panel to submit its final report by the revised deadline. The SIT was constituted on June 13 following a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and its preliminary findings led to the registration of an FIR on June 25, paving the way for the arrests.
Police officials maintain that the investigation remains active on multiple fronts, including custodial interrogation, forensic examination, financial scrutiny, property verification and analysis of digital evidence. Authorities say every allegation will be corroborated through CCTV footage, forensic findings and witness testimonies before final conclusions are drawn, as investigators work to establish the full extent of the alleged conspiracy surrounding the Ram Temple donation theft case.
