The theft of donations from one of India's prominent religious sites has turned into a full-scale financial investigation, with Ayodhya police now examining nearly 50 bank accounts belonging to eight arrested accused and their family members.
The probe centres on the alleged embezzlement of funds from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. Investigators suspect the money was not simply pocketed but systematically moved, first into personal or proxy accounts, and then potentially into properties, vehicles, jewellery, and other assets held by relatives.
How far back the probe goes
Police have sought detailed bank records going back to 2022, covering deposits, withdrawals, and fund transfers across all accounts under scrutiny. Officials said forensic analysis of these transactions is currently underway, with investigators working to identify any layering or deliberate concealment of the alleged stolen funds.
The goal, according to police, is to reconstruct the full movement of money and identify everyone who may have benefited from the alleged diversion of temple donations.
Who has been arrested
Eight people have been arrested in connection with the case so far. They are Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey, Manish Yadav, Lavkush Mishra, Ramashankar Mishra, and Subhash Srivastava.
Three of them, Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey, were placed in police custody remand, during which investigators recovered cash, jewellery, and a car. These items are currently being examined to determine whether they were purchased using the allegedly stolen temple funds.
The three were also questioned extensively about the modus operandi, the movement of money, and whether others were involved.
What comes next
Police are now preparing to seek custody remand of two more accused, Ramashankar Mishra and Subhash Srivastava, to probe their financial transactions in greater detail.
Investigators have not ruled out further arrests. Officials said additional recoveries or names could emerge depending on what the financial analysis turns up.
The investigation is ongoing.
(With TOI inputs)
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