SIT names Avinash Shukla as prime accused in Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Case
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of devotees' offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has identified Avinash Shukla as the prime accused in the case, sources.
According to the preliminary findings of the three-member SIT, Shukla, who was engaged in counting cash donations at the temple, allegedly played a central role in a suspected racket involving nearly 70 instances of pilferage over around 40 days from the temple's donation-counting system.
The interim report, submitted to Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad on June 23, reportedly names Shukla as accused number one after investigators found the strongest evidence trail against him. The findings were also discussed during a meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Investigators have alleged that CCTV footage from the temple's counting room showed Shukla removing and concealing bundles of donation cash and loose currency notes on multiple occasions. The SIT reportedly used CCTV recordings, recovery details, bank account analysis and witness statements to establish the alleged involvement of the accused.
The report has also named five other accused who allegedly assisted in the operation. They include Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Karunesh Pandey, Manish Kumar Yadav and Rama Shankar Mishra. Investigators claim CCTV footage showed some of them helping in concealing and removing donation money.
During searches, police reportedly recovered Rs 20.39 lakh in cash, foreign currency, gold and silver ornaments, other valuables and an SUV from Shukla's possession. The SIT has also flagged financial transactions allegedly disproportionate to his known income.
Investigators are examining Shukla's bank records, properties and financial dealings as part of the ongoing probe. A donation box carrying the inscription "Ramrajya Kosh" with an active QR code was also allegedly recovered during searches at his residence.
So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case, including Shukla and the five accused named in the SIT findings, along with Subhash Srivastava and Rama Shankar alias Tinnu.
The Uttar Pradesh government had constituted the SIT after allegations emerged regarding the theft of devotees' donations at the temple. The investigation has now expanded to examine possible security and procedural lapses in the donation management system, including CCTV monitoring, staff supervision and verification procedures.
The SIT is also conducting a re-audit of the temple trust's accounts for the past five years and reviewing expenditure related to major events held over the last two years.
