Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: The ongoing ram mandir donation theft investigation has taken a new turn after an accused reportedly disclosed during interrogation how stolen donation money was allegedly concealed inside washrooms within the temple complex before being moved out.
According to police sources, accused Avinash Shukla admitted his involvement during questioning and explained the alleged method used to siphon cash from the donation counting process at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Cash Allegedly Hidden in Washrooms Before Being Moved Out
Investigators claim the accused revealed that cash was first hidden in washrooms inside the Ram Mandir premises and later taken outside whenever there was an opportunity, allowing the operation to go undetected for some time.
Officials believe this strategy helped the accused avoid immediate suspicion despite the presence of security arrangements and CCTV surveillance.
Alleged Gaps in Donation Counting Process Under Probe
Police are also examining how the ram mandir donation theft could continue despite multiple safeguards. According to interrogation inputs, one accused allegedly had access to a key used in the donation counting room, while another key was held by bank officials involved in the process.
The accused are believed to have coordinated their actions, with one person handling cash removal while others allegedly helped distract attention during the counting process.
CCTV Monitoring and Security Measures Being Reviewed
Another key aspect of the investigation involves CCTV surveillance inside the temple complex. The accused reportedly told investigators that they were aware of camera locations, which allegedly helped them avoid detection.
Police are now reviewing CCTV footage and surveillance records to verify these claims and identify possible lapses in monitoring.
Alleged Use of Stolen Funds for Property Purchase
Sources further claim that part of the allegedly stolen donation money was used to purchase land and residential property. Investigators are tracing financial transactions and examining assets linked to the accused to establish the money trail in the ram mandir donation theft case.
SIT Investigation Continues
The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations in detail.
Officials had earlier recovered ₹58 lakh from one of the accused even before the FIR was registered, with additional amounts reportedly returned through bank transfers between June 5 and June 8.
The SIT is continuing its examination of financial records, digital evidence, and statements from all accused to determine the full extent of the alleged embezzlement and whether more individuals were involved in the ram mandir donation theft network.
Conclusion: Ram Mandir Donation Theft Probe Underway
As the investigation continues, officials are trying to determine whether the ram mandir donation theft was carried out by a small group or involved a larger network within the donation system.
The findings of the SIT probe are expected to have a major impact on the management and oversight of one of India’s most significant religious sites.
