Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has intensified, with police seeking the custody of further individuals implicated in the case. Authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the alleged theft, which reportedly involves millions of rupees in cash, foreign currency, and jewellery.
Police Custody Sought for Further Questioning
Ayodhya Police have applied to the court for the custody of additional accused individuals in connection with the Ram Temple donation theft. The move comes as investigators seek to consolidate evidence and understand the complete modus operandi of the alleged conspiracy. This development follows the arrest of eight individuals previously, with police focusing on unraveling the roles of key conspirators and potential masterminds behind the systematic diversion of funds.
The investigation is examining financial transactions and assets of the accused, aiming to trace the money trail and recover the misappropriated offerings. Sources indicate that a significant amount of cash, foreign currency, and valuable items have already been recovered from the premises linked to the arrested individuals, with Avinash Shukla, a primary school teacher allegedly assigned to cash reconciliation, reportedly linked to the largest seizure.
Details Emerge on Accused and Recoveries
Reports indicate that the eight individuals arrested so far were contract workers involved in handling and counting temple donations. Investigations have revealed that the accused allegedly exploited their positions to siphon off cash offerings over a period of time. Among the recoveries made are over Rs 20 lakh in cash, foreign currency, and jewellery from premises linked to Avinash Shukla. A donation chest marked “Ramrajya Kosh” with a QR code was also reportedly found at his residence.
Other accused, including Karunesh Pandey, who was responsible for opening donation boxes, and Manish Kumar Yadav, part of the donation-counting team, have also seen substantial cash recoveries from their associated locations. Subhash Chandra Srivastava, a retired bank employee tasked with supervising donation counting, and Ramshankar Mishra, another contract employee involved in cash handling, are also among those being investigated.
SIT Extends Probe, Trust Accounts Under Scrutiny
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the alleged embezzlement. The SIT has been granted an extension to broaden the scope of its inquiry, which is now likely to include a re-audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s accounts for the past five years. This expanded investigation will cover construction-related expenditures and all forms of donations received, including jewellery and precious metals, in an effort to detect large-scale anomalies and irregularities.
The controversy first gained public attention following allegations of misappropriated funds, leading to the registration of an First Information Report (FIR) on June 25. Reports suggest that an estimated Rs 7 to Rs 7.5 crore may be missing from the temple donations. Following the FIR and preliminary reports, former Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned, citing moral responsibility.
Legal Proceedings and Community Reaction
The accused have been remanded to judicial custody, with the Faizabad Bar Association reportedly resolving not to represent them, citing hurt sentiments among the public. The case has also drawn criticism from political figures, with allegations of corruption surfacing and calls for a judicial probe.
Authorities are meticulously working to establish the full financial trail, verify statements, and determine the precise involvement of each accused. The investigation continues to explore multiple angles, including land holdings, bank transactions, and the physical division of cash among the alleged conspirators. The goal is to build a robust case and ensure that all individuals involved in the alleged diversion of donations are held accountable.
The Chenab Times News Desk