‘Here We Divided Money’: Ram Temple Donation Theft Accused Reveals Where He Distributed Stolen Cash

Published 3 July 2026 · finance

‘Here We Divided Money’: Ram Temple Donation Theft Accused Reveals Where He Distributed Stolen Cash Published By, Last Updated: July 03, 2026, 22:38 IST Prime

‘Here We Divided Money’: Ram Temple Donation Theft Accused Reveals Where He Distributed Stolen Cash Published By, Last Updated: July 03, 2026, 22:38 IST Prime accused allegedly identified location near 14-Kosi Parikrama route where stolen temple donations were shared. Rapid Read Ram Temple Donation Theft: Police Trace Money Distribution Site In Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Row: The Ayodhya police have made a major breakthrough in the Ram Mandir donation theft case after the accused, Avinash Shukla, allegedly recreated the conspiracy during police remand and identified the spot where the stolen money was divided among other accused. According to news agency IANS, citing sources, Shukla was taken to a site near the 14-Kosi Parikrama route in Ayodhya, where he reportedly identified the exact place used for the division of the cash. Eight arrested accused, including Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Kamlesh Pandey and Tinu Yadav, allegedly assembled at the identified location to divide the stolen cash. During the visit, police officials questioned Shukla at the spot, where he is said to have reconstructed the sequence of events and explained how the money was allegedly shared among the members of the group.

Investigators also believe the site was used to conceal valuables linked to the alleged crime. Acting on information provided by Shukla during the remand, police reportedly recovered a valuable item hidden near the same location. Officials have not disclosed the nature of the recovered object, but sources said it could become an important piece of evidence in the case. The recovery has provided investigators with fresh leads regarding the alleged conspiracy. The probe team is trying to ascertain the movement of the stolen property and the roles played by each accused. Police are now examining whether additional evidence or valuables remain hidden and are verifying the statements made during the remand. Additionally, police have also recovered an SUV allegedly purchased using embezzled temple donations. According to police sources, the vehicle, a Maruti Brezza, bearing registration number UP42AP6054, was bought with the stolen money but registered in the name of Shukla’s brother, Abhishek. The SUV has now been seized as part of the ongoing investigation. Ram Temple Donation Row The case centres on allegations that cash and valuables donated to the temple may have been misappropriated.

Questions have been raised over the handling of 70 kg of silver, 1,250 kg of gold, Rs 200 crore in cash and other donated items, including offerings linked to Lord Ram’s idol and sacred padukas. Champat Rai resigned as the former general secretary of the temple trust following the SIT probe into the alleged donation theft. Meanwhile, lawyers in Ayodhya are preparing to file a complaint against Champat Rai demanding registration of an FIR over the alleged irregularities. Eight people associated with the temple’s donation collection and counting process have been arrested so far, while the investigation into the alleged misappropriation of devotees’ contributions is continuing. So far, investigators have recovered substantial amounts of cash from the accused, including Rs 20.39 lakh from Avinash Shukla, Rs 18.07 lakh from Karunesh Pandey, Rs 16.82 lakh from Anukalp Mishra, Rs 14.25 lakh from Lavkush Mishra, Rs 7.32 lakh from Ramashankar Mishra and Rs 1 lakh from Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu. Police have also seized around 11 grams of gold, 375 grams of silver, and USD 1,121 during the investigation.