Washrooms used to hide Ram Temple donation cash? Police reveal alleged theft method

Uttar Pradesh: The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations has intensified after police claimed an arrested accused revealed that stolen cash was hidden in washrooms inside the temple complex before being smuggled out in small amounts.

The Ayodhya Police have expanded their investigation into the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case after custodial interrogation of arrested accused Avinash Shukla reportedly uncovered new details about how the money was allegedly stolen and moved out of the temple complex.

According to police sources, Shukla allegedly told investigators that members of the suspected racket first concealed cash inside washrooms within the temple premises before removing it gradually in small quantities to avoid attracting attention.

Police questioned Shukla for nearly two hours inside the district jail after obtaining court permission. During the interrogation, investigators reportedly confronted him with CCTV footage, witness statements and evidence collected during the probe.

Alleged use of CCTV blind spots

Investigators believe the accused had carefully studied the layout of the donation-counting centre, including CCTV camera locations, staff movement and entry and exit routes.

Police sources alleged that while one person removed cash from counted donations, others deliberately stood around the individual to block surveillance cameras, creating a "human shield" that prevented the theft from being captured on CCTV.

Authorities are now reconstructing the movement of cash inside the temple complex and are expected to question sanitation and maintenance workers to determine whether they noticed suspicious activity or hidden cash packets in the washrooms.

Police said all allegations will be verified through CCTV analysis, forensic evidence and witness testimony.

Probe focuses on key access and financial trail

During questioning, Shukla allegedly claimed that one of the two keys to the secured donation-counting room remained with co-accused Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu, despite him not being involved in the cash-counting process. The second key was reportedly held by bank officials supervising the counting.

Police plan to question Tinnu to verify these claims and determine whether access to the key enabled unauthorised entry into the counting room.

Investigators are also tracing the financial trail, examining allegations that part of the allegedly embezzled money was invested in land, hostels and residential properties. Bank records, property documents and financial transactions are being scrutinised to identify assets that may be disproportionate to the accused's known sources of income.

Nearly ₹80 lakh recovered

According to police, recoveries made so far include ₹79.85 lakh in cash, 1,121 US dollars, along with gold and silver jewellery.

The largest recovery was allegedly made from Avinash Shukla, from whom police claim to have seized ₹20.39 lakh in cash, 1,121 US dollars, two gold chains, a gold ring and other valuables.

Cash was also allegedly recovered from several other accused, including Karunesh Pandey, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Ramashankar Mishra, Manish Yadav and Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu. Police said no recovery was made from the residence of Subhash Srivastava.

Eight people have been arrested in the case so far.

SIT probe extended

The Uttar Pradesh government has extended the deadline for the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe until July 15. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approved the extension after the SIT sought additional time to complete its investigation.

The SIT was formed following a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Its preliminary findings led to the registration of an FIR on June 25, after which the eight accused were arrested.

Police also carried out fresh searches at the residence of accused Lav Kush Mishra in Ayodhya's Rudauli area, examining the house and surrounding premises for additional evidence linked to the alleged conspiracy.