Ayodhya Police have conducted simultaneous raids at the residences of eight individuals arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations meant for the Ram Temple. The investigation, which intensified following the arrests, saw police teams accompanied by local magistrates carrying out searches at the homes of the accused.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the raids were a significant step in the ongoing probe. The accused, identified as Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ram Shankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava, and Ramashankar alias Tinnu Yadav, were all associated with the process of counting cash and valuables received as donations at the temple.
The arrests and subsequent raids follow a preliminary report submitted by a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government. Allegations of misappropriation of temple funds surfaced earlier this month, prompting the formation of the SIT. A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including theft by servant, criminal breach of trust, receiving stolen property, and criminal conspiracy, as well as sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
According to prosecution reports, investigators have so far recovered ₹79.85 lakh in connection with the matter. The accused were recently remanded to judicial custody until June 29 by a court in Ayodhya. Authorities are expected to seek their custodial remand when they are produced before the court again. The SIT’s preliminary inquiry, conducted between June 15 and June 20, flagged prima facie irregularities in the handling of cash and valuables offered by devotees.
The controversy first came to light on June 7, when Samajwadi Party leader Tej Narayan ‘Pawan’ Pandey alleged that substantial amounts, estimated between ₹5 crore and ₹7.5 crore, were siphoned off from temple offerings. The arrests were made late Thursday night, with police preparing to present the accused before a magistrate. Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu, has been identified as a close aide of Champat Rai, the Trust’s general secretary, and was reportedly responsible for counting donations at VHP’s Karsevakpuram. He was allegedly in possession of the keys to the donation boxes and acted arbitrarily due to his proximity to Trust members, though he has denied any wrongdoing.
Ramashankar Mishra, another accused, allegedly conspired with other employees, involving his son and son-in-law in the counting of money. Anukalp Mishra, the son of Ramashankar Mishra, was also involved in counting donations and is reportedly a relative of Trustee Anil Mishra. The investigation aims to uncover any larger conspiracy and trace the full money trail, with investigators examining whether additional persons were involved and collecting further evidence.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has confirmed receiving the resignations of its general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, which are to be considered at their next meeting. The trust has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent investigation into the matter, expressing shock and sadness over the reported incidents.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
