Ram Temple Donation Row: SIT names Avinash Shukla main accused, flags 70 alleged thefts in 40 days

Ayodhya: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has identified Avinash Shukla as the principal accused in what investigators describe as a systematic embezzlement operation inside the temple's donation-counting system.

According to the preliminary report, the probe has uncovered prima facie evidence of 70 suspected thefts over a 40-day period.

Avinash Shukla Named Prime Accused

In its report submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government, the SIT named 30-year-old Avinash Shukla as Accused No. 1, describing him as the central figure in the alleged racket.

Investigators said the evidence gathered against Shukla enabled them to identify five other accused and reconstruct the alleged operation involving the diversion of devotees' donations.

The report states that Shukla's alleged role was established through CCTV footage, recovery of cash and valuables, bank transaction analysis and witness statements.

CCTV, Recoveries Form Key Evidence

According to the SIT, CCTV footage repeatedly showed Shukla allegedly concealing bundles of cash and loose currency during the counting of donations. Investigators believe these recordings became the foundation of the case and helped trace the movement of funds.

The report also alleges that Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Karunesh Pandey and Manish Kumar Yadav assisted in removing or concealing donation money, while separate footage allegedly captured Ramashankar Mishra handling cash bundles.

Financial Probe Raises Questions

During searches, police recovered approximately Rs 20.39 lakh in cash, US dollars, gold and silver ornaments, other valuables and an SUV from Shukla's possession- the largest seizure made in the case so far.

The SIT also examined bank accounts linked to Shukla and found cash deposits and financial transactions that investigators considered disproportionate to his known income.

Investigation Still Underway

The SIT clarified that its findings are preliminary and that further investigation is continuing into administrative accountability, institutional lapses and the overall extent of the alleged embezzlement. Authorities are expected to carry out additional inquiries before submitting the final report.