Police Question Accused Inside Ayodhya Jail. (Image Internet)
Lucknow: The investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donation funds collected at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has entered a crucial stage. Ayodhya Police questioned accused Avinash Shukla inside the district jail after obtaining approval from the designated court.
The interrogation was conducted by the investigating officer to verify Shukla's role in the alleged diversion of temple donations while he remains in judicial custody.
According to investigators, Shukla was involved in the reconciliation of cash after each round of donation counting. Police suspect he played an active role in the alleged financial irregularities during the handling of devotees' contributions.
Officials are also comparing his statements with those of other arrested individuals and examining documentary as well as electronic evidence collected during the investigation.
Investigators are analysing evidence linked to a June 5 search conducted at Shukla's residence, during which Trust officials reportedly recovered ₹20 lakh. CCTV footage from the operation allegedly shows Shukla being escorted by police while carrying a black bag, which investigators believe may have contained part of the disputed cash.
Police are further examining surveillance footage from the temple's donation counting area, where Shukla was frequently seen standing near CCTV cameras, a detail now being investigated.
The probe has now expanded into an extensive financial audit. Police have sought five years of banking records from seven banks linked to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and the eight accused currently in judicial custody.
Investigators are collecting account statements, deposit records, transaction histories and KYC documents to trace the movement of funds and identify any suspicious financial activity.
Police teams have visited the State Bank of India branch in Ayodhya Dham, where the Trust's primary donation account is maintained, along with several other banks connected to the accused.
Officials are matching banking records with CCTV footage, cash registers, attendance logs and digital evidence to determine whether any temple donations were diverted through personal accounts and whether the alleged fraud was part of a larger, long-running operation.
