Ram Mandir donation scam: Probe widens to 50 staff and Trust links after 8 arrested
The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir has widened, with police now examining all those involved in the temple's daily
The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir has widened, with police now examining all those involved in the temple's daily operations. Eight people have been arrested so far in the case. Police sources said nearly 50 people were engaged in counting currency notes donated by devotees at the temple, and they had been recruited on the recommendations of Trust office-bearers or others closely associated with them. Investigators are now checking their backgrounds, possible assets disproportionate to known sources of income, and the role of some senior Trust functionaries and government officials linked to the Trust's functioning.
Highly placed sources said the probe will also cover financial transactions related to construction and land purchases by the Trust. Read Full Story According to investigators, CCTV footage has provided direct evidence against six of the eight arrested men. The footage allegedly shows them hiding bundles of currency notes in their clothes, pockets and shoes while counting donations at the temple's Pilgrim Facilitation Centre. Police registered an FIR on June 25 on a complaint by the Trust and arrested Avinash Shukla, Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, and Subhash Srivastava.
Tinnu Yadav is former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai's former driver, while Manish Yadav is Tinnu's nephew. Police said Tinnu allegedly supervised the temple's donation boxes, while Manish was involved in counting the offerings. Earlier, police recovered Rs 1 lakh from Tinnu's residence and Rs 2 lakh from Manish's house. Officials said investigators are expected to take the two accused to various locations during remand to question them about the alleged theft, trace more cash and valuables, and verify properties allegedly bought with the siphoned-off money. Before seeking custody of Tinnu and Manish, police had questioned the six other accused on custodial remand.
Investigators have also submitted to the court cash, jewellery and property-related documents recovered earlier this week after questioning former bank employees Subhash Srivastava and Ramashankar Mishra in police custody. The alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple came to light in the first week of June and has so far led to eight arrests and the resignation of two senior Trust functionaries. Opposition parties have said they will raise the issue during the Monsoon session of Parliament, which is scheduled to begin on July 20. Ends
The BriefWire