Ayodhya Ram Temple donation probe widens with raids at all eight accused's homes

Ayodhya (UP): Police conducted searches at the homes of all eight accused in the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case in Ayodhya as investigators intensified the probe into the suspected misuse of devotees' offerings.

The investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations and offerings at Ayodhya's Ram Temple intensified on Sunday after police conducted searches at the residences of all eight accused named in the case.

The searches come two days after the accused were remanded to three-day judicial custody. They are scheduled to remain in custody until June 29 and will be produced before the court again on Monday as the investigation progresses.

Why did police conduct the raids?

According to police, the searches are part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged theft and embezzlement of donations received at the Ram Temple.

Investigators are examining documents, electronic evidence and other materials that could help establish how the alleged misappropriation took place. Police have also said that CCTV footage and the interrogation of the accused will play a crucial role in uncovering the entire operation.

Authorities added that if the investigation reveals the involvement of additional individuals, further legal action will be taken.

Who are the accused?

Eight people have been arrested in connection with the case. They include:

• Ramshankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, who is associated with temple management.
• Trust employees Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra and Avinash Shukla.
• Retired bank employee Subhash Srivastava.

An FIR was registered at Ayodhya Kotwali police station based on a complaint filed by Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

What triggered the investigation?

The case was registered after a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted a preliminary report highlighting several irregularities in the handling of temple donations.

Investigators are now working to determine the exact amount allegedly misappropriated, the role of each accused and whether others were involved.

Police said the role of Ramshankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, has come under particular scrutiny during the investigation.

What are neighbours saying?

The police action has drawn mixed reactions from people living near the accused.

A neighbour of Anukalp Mishra said that anyone found guilty of stealing from a religious institution should receive the strictest punishment, adding that such an act amounts to betraying the faith of millions of devotees.

Another neighbour described Mishra as a polite individual and said he had never suspected him of being involved in any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, a neighbour of Tinnu Yadav claimed he was being falsely implicated and described him as a good person.

These statements are personal opinions and do not reflect the findings of the investigation.

Police say the investigation is still in its early stages. Officers will continue analysing CCTV footage, questioning the accused and examining evidence collected during the searches.

The accused are expected to be produced before the court again on June 29, where investigators may seek further legal action depending on the progress of the probe.

The allegations remain under investigation, and the guilt or innocence of the accused will ultimately be determined through the judicial process.