Ayodhya Donation Theft Probe Deepens
The investigation into the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple has intensified, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) identifying Avinash Shukla as a key accused in the case.
According to investigators, Avinash Shukla was employed to count cash donations at the temple for a monthly salary of ₹15,000. The SIT alleges that he played a central role in nearly 70 instances of donation theft. CCTV footage reportedly identified Ankalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey as his alleged associates in the operation.
Investigators claim the accused used forged receipts to illegally collect donations from devotees. During questioning, Ankalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Karunesh Pandey, and Tinnu Yadav allegedly admitted to using the forged receipts, according to officials.
The SIT also alleges that the stolen donation money was invested in money-lending activities and the stock market. Searches conducted at the residences of the accused reportedly led to the seizure of cash bundles, gold jewellery, and a car.
Officials further stated that large sums of money were traced to the bank accounts of the accused and their relatives. As part of the investigation, authorities have frozen 30 bank accounts while continuing the probe into the alleged financial transactions.
