Ayodhya Police to Intensify Probe into Ram Temple Donation Theft Case

Ayodhya police are set to intensify their investigation into the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donation theft case by questioning arrested accused Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu in jail after obtaining permission from the designated court.

The move follows fresh disclosures made by co-accused Avinash Shukla during custodial interrogation, which investigators believe could shed light on the conspiracy to siphon off cash donations received at the temple.

According to police sources, Shukla allegedly told investigators that Tinnu was entrusted with one of the keys to the highly secured donation counting room, where cash offerings made by devotees were counted, reconciled and temporarily stored before being deposited in the bank.

Investigators suspect that access to the counting room may have enabled Tinnu to manipulate counting and facilitate alleged diversion of donation money.

Police are now seeking to verify the claim through documentary evidence, statements of temple staff and other arrested accused, as well as records relating to access to the counting room.

Shukla also reportedly revealed during questioning that he and other accused enjoyed unrestricted access to the temple’s administrative areas because of their proximity to a former trustee.

Investigators are examining these allegations independently.

Interrogation also revealed that the accused deliberately coordinated their movements inside the counting room to avoid CCTV surveillance.

Police are analysing CCTV footage, digital evidence and statements of witnesses to determine whether the accused exploited blind spots or obstructed camera views during the counting process.

Sources said investigators are trying to establish the role played by each accused during the various stages of donation handling, including collection, counting, reconciliation, storage and bank deposit of cash offerings.

Tinnu, who is currently lodged in judicial custody along with the other arrested accused, is expected to be questioned inside jail after the court grants permission.

Officials said his interrogation would focus on the custody and use of counting room keys, the standard operating procedure followed during cash counting, access to the strong room and his alleged role in the suspected diversion of temple donations.

Who is Tinnu Yadav?

In mid-1990s, Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu was a tempo driver in Ayodhya. Later, he came in touch with Janmabhoomi movement activist Mahesh Narayan, who employed him as a driver. After Narayan’s death, he became a close aide of former general secretary of Ram Temple Trust Champat Rai and later worked as a salaried staff member handling operational and manpower-related responsibilities at the Ram Temple.

Former accounts in charge claimed that Tinnu handled the deposit of cash and photographed jewellery offerings.

The allegations were denied by Tinnu.