Ram Temple Donation Theft Probe Reveals Alleged ₹1 Lakh To ₹20 Lakh Fraud Chain
Ram temple donation theft figures under scrutiny.
The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has intensified, with police carrying out fresh raids and expanding scrutiny of the assets of the accused. Authorities are now examining the financial dealings and property holdings of eight individuals who have been jailed in connection with the case, as part of a wider effort to trace the alleged diversion of temple funds.
During recent searches, police recovered ₹20 lakh in cash from Avinash Shukla, one of the prime suspects in the case. The raid was conducted as investigators continue to map the flow of money allegedly siphoned from temple offerings. Officials are also looking into other suspected proceeds of crime, including cash holdings and real estate investments linked to the accused.
Earlier findings in the probe revealed that another accused, Lavkush Mishra, had reportedly made a significant property purchase in the Sahadatganj area of Ayodhya, valued at approximately ₹23 lakh. Investigators believe this transaction may be connected to the alleged misuse of donations, and it is now being examined as part of the broader financial investigation into the case.
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According to police sources, the total cash recovered so far from the suspects stands at ₹79.85 lakh, seized from seven out of the eight individuals arrested in the case. Officials say the recovery operations are ongoing, with investigators analysing banking records, property documents and other financial trails to determine the full extent of the alleged embezzlement network.
The case came to public attention on June 7, following allegations raised by Samajwadi Party leader Tej Narayan “Pawan” Pandey, who claimed that between ₹5 crore and ₹7.5 crore in temple donations had been siphoned off. These allegations prompted a formal police investigation and subsequent arrests, leading to the current series of raids and asset seizures.
As the probe progresses, law enforcement agencies are focusing on identifying the roles of each accused individual and uncovering potential procedural gaps that may have enabled the alleged diversion of funds. Authorities have indicated that further recoveries and disclosures are possible as financial audits and forensic accounting checks continue.
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