The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has expanded after fresh disclosures reportedly emerged during the custodial interrogation of one of the arrested accused.
According to police, investigators are examining claims that cash allegedly diverted during the donation counting process was temporarily concealed inside washrooms within the temple complex before being removed in small quantities over time to avoid detection.
Authorities are verifying these allegations through CCTV footage, forensic examination, documentary evidence, and witness statements as part of the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.
Interrogation Leads to Fresh Investigative Leads
After obtaining court permission, investigators questioned arrested accused Avinash Shukla for nearly two hours inside the district jail.
Police stated that during the interrogation, Shukla was confronted with CCTV footage, witness testimonies, and other evidence collected during the investigation.
According to investigators, the questioning generated fresh leads that prompted a broader reconstruction of the alleged sequence of events surrounding the handling of temple donations.
Police Probe Alleged Cash Movement Inside Temple Premises
Investigators believe the accused and their alleged associates may have studied the layout of the donation counting centre before the alleged offence.
According to police, investigators suspect the group examined:
- CCTV camera locations,
- entry and exit routes,
- staff movement patterns,
- and security arrangements.
Police allege that cash removed during the counting process may have been temporarily hidden inside washrooms within the temple complex before being transported outside in smaller amounts to reduce suspicion.
Authorities are now reconstructing the suspected movement of cash within the premises and are preparing to question sanitation and maintenance personnel to determine whether any unusual activity was observed.
CCTV Blind Spots Under Investigation
The investigation is also focusing on the possible exploitation of surveillance blind spots.
Police suspect that while one accused allegedly handled the cash, other members of the group positioned themselves around the individual to obstruct CCTV cameras, creating what investigators describe as a "human shield."
Forensic teams are reviewing surveillance footage to determine whether this method was deliberately used to avoid visual detection.
Donation Room Access Also Being Examined
Investigators are separately examining access control procedures governing the highly secured donation counting room.
According to statements recorded during interrogation, one of the two keys to the facility allegedly remained with co-accused Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu, while the second key was reportedly held by bank officials overseeing the counting process.
Police are investigating whether access to either key may have been misused and whether unauthorized entry into the counting room occurred.
Financial Investigation Expands to Assets and Banking Records
The probe has broadened beyond the alleged theft itself to include a detailed financial investigation.
Authorities are examining:
- bank accounts,
- land transactions,
- residential properties,
- hostel assets,
- and other financial records linked to the accused.
Investigators aim to determine whether any allegedly misappropriated donation funds were invested in immovable property or other assets.
Property records, banking transactions, and declared income sources are currently under verification.
Cash, Foreign Currency and Jewellery Recovered
According to police, recoveries made during the investigation include:
- ₹79.85 lakh in cash
- 1,121 US dollars
- Gold chains
- Gold rings
- Silver jewellery
Investigators stated that the largest cash recovery was allegedly made from Avinash Shukla, while varying amounts were recovered from other arrested individuals.
So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the investigation:
- Avinash Shukla
- Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu
- Anukalp Mishra
- Lav Kush Mishra
- Karunesh Pandey
- Manish Yadav
- Ramashankar Mishra
- Subhash Srivastava
SIT Given Additional Time to Complete Probe
The Uttar Pradesh Government has granted the Special Investigation Team additional time until 15 July to submit its final report.
Meanwhile, investigators have conducted searches at the village residence of accused Lav Kush Mishra and continue gathering documentary, forensic, and financial evidence.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Police have emphasized that the allegations against the accused are yet to be tested during trial. The filing of an FIR, arrests, or recoveries do not constitute proof of guilt, and the final determination will rest with the competent court after evaluating all evidence presented during judicial proceedings.
Shunyatax Global Insight
Investigations involving religious institutions demand a high standard of transparency, forensic scrutiny, and procedural fairness. Cases involving donation management typically require meticulous examination of surveillance records, access-control mechanisms, financial documentation, and asset trails to establish accountability. As the Ayodhya investigation progresses, the eventual judicial outcome will depend on the admissibility and credibility of evidence rather than investigative allegations alone, reinforcing the importance of due process in high-profile financial crime cases.
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