The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of devotees’ donations at the Ram Temple has identified Avinash Shukla as the principal accused in its preliminary findings. Investigators believe he played a central role in an alleged scheme involving repeated theft of cash offerings from the temple’s donation-counting process over several weeks.
SIT Finds Evidence Pointing to Alleged Organised Operation
According to sources, the three-member SIT submitted its preliminary report to the Uttar Pradesh government after examining CCTV footage, financial records, witness statements and material recovered during the investigation.
The report reportedly concludes that Shukla, who was assigned to count cash offerings received from devotees, is the key figure in the alleged operation. Investigators suspect the alleged thefts continued for around 40 days and involved multiple incidents inside the temple’s donation-counting room.
Officials believe the evidence collected helped investigators trace the alleged roles of several other accused and understand how the suspected operation functioned.
CCTV Footage and Financial Records Under Scanner
Investigators have relied heavily on CCTV footage from the counting centre, which allegedly shows cash being concealed and removed during the counting process. The footage has also been used to identify the movements of other accused who were allegedly present during the operation.
The SIT has reportedly supported its findings with bank transaction records, recovery of cash and valuables, and statements recorded during the investigation.
Officials are also examining whether the financial transactions of the accused were disproportionate to their known sources of income.
Cash, Valuables and SUV Recovered During Searches
During searches conducted by Ayodhya Police, investigators allegedly recovered ₹20.39 lakh in cash, USD 1,121, gold and silver ornaments, other valuables and an SUV from the possession of Avinash Shukla. Sources said this is the largest recovery made from any accused in the case so far.
Investigators also recovered a donation box bearing the inscription “Ramrajya Kosh” with an active QR code attached to it. Police have expanded searches to Shukla’s native residence in Pratapgarh district while scrutinising his assets, financial transactions and cash holdings accumulated over the past few years.
Probe Widens to Other Accused
The investigation has so far led to the arrest of eight individuals, including Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Rama Shankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Rama Shankar alias Tinnu.
Police recently secured the custodial remand of three accused after informing the court that fresh evidence had surfaced during questioning. According to investigators, recoveries exceeding ₹79 lakh have been made during the probe, while the investigation into the alleged conspiracy remains ongoing.
Five-Year Audit Ordered as Investigation Deepens
The Uttar Pradesh government constituted the SIT after allegations surfaced regarding the alleged theft of devotees’ offerings at the Ram Temple.
The investigation has now expanded beyond the original FIR. Officials have ordered a fresh audit of the Trust’s accounts covering the past five years and are reviewing expenditure linked to major temple events over the last two years.
The SIT is also examining possible procedural and security shortcomings in the donation management system, including surveillance arrangements, supervision during cash counting and other operational safeguards. Investigators are expected to submit a detailed report after completing the ongoing inquiry.
