Fresh Questions Surface Over Ram Mandir Donation Theft Probe as New Details Emerge.
Fresh details have emerged in the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft case, with sources claiming that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust became aware of the suspected misappropriation several days before the matter entered the public domain.
According to sources, acting on the instructions of Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, Trust representatives accompanied police to the residence of one of the accused, Avinash Shukla, on June 5. During the search, cash was allegedly recovered, indicating that investigators had already begun looking into the matter.
Despite the operation, no formal police complaint was lodged by the Trust at the time. Sources further claimed that the June 5 search was conducted without a registered FIR, raising questions over the sequence of events that preceded the official investigation.
The alleged theft came to light publicly on June 7, sparking widespread attention and prompting scrutiny over the delay in initiating formal legal proceedings. These claims, however, have not been independently verified, and authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the alleged gap between the initial search and the registration of the case.
CCTV Footage, Fresh Evidence Surface
A CCTV clip purportedly linked to the case has also surfaced. The 24-second video shows police escorting Avinash Shukla, one of the eight accused, towards a white vehicle after taking him into custody. He is seen carrying a black bag, which sources claim contained cash recovered during the search.
Separately, the first exclusive photograph of another accused, Ramashankar Mishra, has also emerged.
SIT Probe Widens
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13 at the Trust’s request, has reportedly uncovered several procedural lapses in the handling of temple donations.
According to sources, investigators found deficiencies in cash management, employee verification and CCTV monitoring. The probe has also expanded to examine appointments made through a private agency for personnel deployed by the State Bank of India, which manages temple donations. Some of those appointments are alleged to have links with Trust functionaries.
Investigators are also examining land purchases and procurement processes related to the Ram Temple project. The SIT has submitted its findings to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Police Conduct Simultaneous Raids
On Sunday, Ayodhya Police carried out coordinated raids at the residences of all eight accused in the case. Search operations were conducted in the presence of local magistrates at the homes of the accused, including Lav Kush Mishra, Avinash Shukla and Ramashankar Yadav.
The raids came two days after a court remanded all eight accused to judicial custody until June 29. Police are expected to seek custodial remand when the accused are produced before the court on Monday.
How The Case Unfolded
The controversy gained political traction on June 7 after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav cited reports alleging that crores of rupees in temple donations were unaccounted for and called for judicial intervention.
Following the allegations, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted an SIT on June 13 after receiving a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to investigate the alleged embezzlement.
Political Sparring Intensifies
The alleged donation theft has triggered a political confrontation in Uttar Pradesh.
Akhilesh Yadav questioned how the alleged irregularities could have escaped notice despite Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s frequent visits to Ayodhya, remarking that the episode reflected the proverb “darkness beneath the lamp.” He also reiterated that he would visit the Ram Mandir only after the completion of the Shiv temple at Kedareswar Dham in Etawah.
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) international president Alok Kumar called for a fair and transparent investigation, saying no individual involved should receive protection. He expressed confidence that the truth would emerge and urged authorities to ensure those found guilty are brought to justice swiftly.
Kumar also accused the Samajwadi Party of attempting to politicise the issue ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, questioning why the party had not pursued similar temple initiatives during its previous tenure in power. He said a speedy investigation and prosecution would help restore public confidence in the handling of the alleged donation theft case.
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