Lucknow: The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has uncovered what police describe as a carefully planned operation in which cash was allegedly hidden inside washrooms within the temple complex before being smuggled out in small amounts to avoid detection.
The latest developments emerged after investigators questioned arrested accused Avinash Shukla for nearly two hours inside the district jail on Tuesday. Police conducted the interrogation after obtaining permission from the designated court and reportedly confronted him with CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence collected during the investigation.
According to police sources, Shukla allegedly disclosed that members of the suspected racket had closely studied the layout of the donation-counting centre, including CCTV camera locations, staff movement, and entry and exit points. Investigators believe the accused exploited this knowledge to siphon off cash during the counting process. The money was allegedly concealed in washrooms before being removed gradually in small quantities to avoid raising suspicion.
Police are now reconstructing the movement of cash inside the temple complex and plan to question sanitation and maintenance staff responsible for the washrooms to determine whether they noticed any suspicious activity or hidden cash packets. Officials said the allegations will be verified through CCTV analysis, forensic evidence and witness testimonies.
Investigators are also examining claims that the accused deliberately exploited CCTV blind spots. According to police sources, one individual allegedly removed cash while others positioned themselves around him, forming a human shield that obstructed surveillance cameras and concealed the alleged theft.
During questioning, Shukla also reportedly claimed that one of the two keys to the highly secured donation-counting room remained with co-accused Ramshankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu, despite him having no role in the counting process. The second key was allegedly held by bank officials supervising the counting. Police are expected to question Tinnu, who is currently in judicial custody, to verify whether access to the key enabled any unauthorised entry into the counting room.
The financial investigation has also intensified. Authorities are examining allegations that part of the allegedly embezzled money was invested in land, hostels and residential properties. Property records, banking transactions and financial documents are being scrutinised to determine whether the assets are disproportionate to the accused’s known sources of income.
According to police, recoveries from the arrested accused have so far totalled ₹79.85 lakh in cash, along with 1,121 US dollars and gold and silver jewellery.
The largest recovery was allegedly made from Avinash Shukla, from whom police claim to have recovered ₹20.39 lakh in cash, 1,121 US dollars, two gold chains, a gold ring and a silver-coloured metal object.
Other recoveries cited by investigators include:
- Karunesh Pandey – ₹18.07 lakh
- Anukalp Mishra – ₹16.82 lakh
- Lav Kush Mishra – ₹14.25 lakh
- Ramashankar Mishra – ₹7.32 lakh
- Manish Yadav – ₹2 lakh
- Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu – ₹1 lakh
Police said no cash or valuables were recovered from the residence of Subhash Srivastava.
Search operations have also been conducted at the residences of Lav Kush Mishra and Anukalp Mishra. So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case: Avinash Shukla, Ramshankar alias Tinnu Yadav, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Karunesh Pandey, Manish Yadav, Ramashankar Mishra and Subhash Srivastava.
Officials said the investigation continues on multiple fronts, including custodial interrogation, forensic examination, financial analysis and property verification, to establish the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.
SIT Given More Time to Complete Probe
The Uttar Pradesh government has extended the deadline for the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged donation-related irregularities until July 15.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approved the SIT’s request for additional time and directed it 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. It comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, IG Lucknow Range Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neelratan Kumar.
Its preliminary report, submitted on June 23, led to the registration of an FIR on June 25, following which all eight accused were arrested.
Police Search Village Residence of Accused
On Wednesday, Ayodhya Police carried out an extensive search at the residence of arrested accused Lav Kush Mishra in Thakuran Phagauli village under Rudauli Kotwali.
A large police contingent searched the house and surrounding premises, including haystacks and piles of cow-dung cakes, looking for evidence, cash or valuables allegedly linked to the case.
The search attracted large crowds of villagers, who gathered to watch the operation.
