Ram Temple donation theft probe: Tinnu knew of scam, helped nephew get counting job
Investigators claim that Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav admitted during police interrogation that he was aware of the alleged theft of donations from the
Investigators claim that Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav admitted during police interrogation that he was aware of the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple being carried out by Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Lavkush Mishra, and his nephew Manish Yadav. Police further allege that Tinnu played a crucial role in facilitating the operation by recommending Manish for a job in the temple's donation counting section in April 2026. Read Full Story The 39-hour police remand of Tinnu Yadav and Manish Yadav has now ended. According to police sources, the interrogation revealed details of the alleged conspiracy, including how the accused are believed to have siphoned off money from the temple's offerings over several weeks.
Investigators say Tinnu recommended Manish for the donation counting job, following which he joined the counting team on April 15, 2026. Police allege that Manish initially assisted the other accused in the thefts before directly participating in them with Avinash Shukla from the second week of May. According to investigators, Tinnu alerted the group whenever there were indications of inspections inside the counting room. Police claim that on June 4, he leaked information about an impending search of employees, prompting Anukalp Mishra to hide Rs 2.25 lakh in a bathroom to avoid detection. Police also allege that after Tinnu became involved, the accused began stealing larger amounts from the temple donations.
During questioning, Tinnu allegedly admitted to possessing an unauthorized key to the temple's donation box (hundi). After reviewing CCTV footage, investigators claim he acknowledged having prior knowledge of the thefts and admitted his involvement. Manish Yadav also allegedly confessed that he handed over the stolen money to his uncle. The investigation further revealed what police describe as serious security lapses. Investigators allege that Tinnu's Bullet motorcycle routinely entered and exited the temple premises through the VVIP gate without undergoing security checks. Police claim that during night shifts, Tinnu escorted Manish out of the temple without screening after he allegedly removed cash from the donation collections.
Based on the disclosures made during interrogation, police recovered Tinnu's Bullet motorcycle and a car, both of which investigators allege were purchased using money stolen from the temple donations. Cash was also recovered from the residences of Tinnu and Manish Yadav, according to police. Following the completion of their 39-hour police remand, both accused have been sent to judicial custody. The investigation into the alleged donation theft and the role of the other accused is continuing. Ends With inputs from Santosh
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