Ram Temple Donation Theft: Police Probe Accused’s Assets, Land Records

Ayodhya Police have expanded the Ram Temple donation theft investigation by analysing the land records and banking details of those accused in the case.

Investigators are determining whether the accused acquired any assets using funds allegedly stolen from the temple donations.

Police requested details of properties owned by the accused and their family members from the Revenue Department to support the investigation.

The Revenue Department has already provided records of around 20 land parcels, and police are verifying the documents.

Investigators are examining the property purchase dates. They are also comparing them with the dates on which the accused joined the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

If investigators find that the accused purchased the assets after joining the Trust and used stolen funds, the administration may classify the properties as proceeds of crime.

Following disclosures by the prime accused, Avinash Shukla, police seized a four-wheeler that they suspect the accused purchased with money linked to the alleged theft.

Officers also escorted Shukla to a location near the 14-Kosi Parikrama route. He allegedly pointed out the place where the accused distributed the stolen cash.

Investigators believe eight accused, including Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Kamlesh Pandey and Tinu Yadav, gathered there after the alleged theft.

During questioning at the site, Shukla reportedly explained the sequence of events. He also described how the money was divided among the accused.

Acting on his information, police recovered an undisclosed valuable object from the same area.

Officials have not revealed its identity, but investigators consider it an important piece of evidence that could strengthen the case.

The investigation team is continuing to search for additional evidence while cross-checking statements recorded during police custody.

Police registered the FIR at Ayodhya Kotwali Police Station following a preliminary report submitted by a three-member SIT. The report pointed to several alleged irregularities, prompting the registration of the case.

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