Accused Details Alleged Theft During Police Interrogation

The investigation into the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir has entered a crucial phase after accused Avinash Shukla was questioned by police inside jail with court permission. During nearly two hours of interrogation on Tuesday, Shukla allegedly admitted to siphoning off crores of rupees from temple donations and described the purported sequence through which the theft was carried out. According to investigators, he disclosed details about access to the donation-counting room, the handling of keys, CCTV blind spots and the movement of cash, providing fresh leads in what has become one of the most significant financial investigations involving a major religious institution in India.

From Internal Verification to Criminal Investigation

The case first surfaced when the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust received information regarding suspected financial irregularities on June 4. The Trust initiated an internal verification before a formal First Information Report (FIR) was registered.

Even before the complaint formally entered the legal process, police and Trust representatives reportedly recovered nearly ₹58 lakh from Avinash Shukla's residence on June 5. The Trust later informed investigators that additional amounts were returned through bank transfers between June 5 and June 8, prompting authorities to widen the scope of the inquiry.

Subsequently, police secured court permission to interrogate Shukla inside jail, marking an important step in the ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of temple donations.

Interrogation Reveals Alleged Modus Operandi

According to police, Shukla allegedly confessed to stealing crores of rupees and explained how the operation was executed by exploiting access to the donation-counting process.

Investigators claim he stated that one key to the donation-counting room remained with Tinnu Yadav while another was held by bank personnel, enabling coordinated access. He also reportedly disclosed that those involved were familiar with the placement of CCTV cameras and deliberately used surveillance blind spots to avoid detection.

Police further alleged that cash was at times concealed inside washrooms before being removed later under safer circumstances. Investigators are now examining whether portions of the allegedly stolen funds were diverted towards the purchase of land and residential property.

Case Expands into a Wider Institutional Probe

The investigation has steadily expanded beyond allegations against individuals into an examination of institutional safeguards governing donation management.

Reports indicate that eight persons, including six temple employees associated with cash counting, have been named in the FIR. Investigators estimate that approximately ₹7–7.5 crore may have been diverted, making it one of the largest alleged donation-related financial irregularities associated with the temple.

Following growing public attention and political reactions, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13 to conduct a comprehensive probe. While the Trust initially sought an independent inquiry to distinguish verified facts from speculation circulating on social media, the matter has since evolved into a full-fledged criminal investigation.

Key Facts at a Glance

·       Internal verification began after information reached the Trust on June 4.

·       Around ₹58 lakh was reportedly recovered from the accused's residence on June 5.

·       Additional funds were allegedly returned through bank transfers between June 5 and June 8.

·       Police questioned Avinash Shukla inside jail after obtaining court approval.

·       Eight individuals, including six temple employees, have been named in the FIR.

·       The alleged misappropriation is estimated at ₹7–7.5 crore.

·       An SIT was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13.

·       Police are investigating possible investments in land and residential property using the alleged proceeds.

Strengthening Trust Through Stronger Financial Controls

Beyond the allegations of theft, the Ram Mandir donation case has highlighted the importance of robust financial governance in institutions that handle substantial public contributions. If the allegations are established during the judicial process, the episode is likely to prompt stricter protocols governing donation counting, dual-key access, surveillance systems, audit trails and segregation of responsibilities. Ultimately, preserving public confidence in faith-based institutions depends not only on accountability for alleged wrongdoing but also on building transparent and resilient systems that safeguard every donation entrusted by devotees.

(With agency inputs)