Ram Temple Donation Theft: Ayodhya Police Track SUV, Search for Hidden Cash and Valuables
According to investigators, the SUV being tracked belongs to one of the arrested accused, Avinash Shukla, and is believed to have been used to ferry cash allegedly siphoned off from temple donations.
The investigation into the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has gathered pace, with police tracing an SUV allegedly used to transport stolen cash and expanding searches over suspicions that the accused concealed additional money, gold and silver obtained through the alleged embezzlement. Investigators believe recoveries made so far may represent only a portion of the missing valuables.
SUV Linked to Movement of Stolen Cash
According to investigators, the SUV being tracked belongs to one of the arrested accused, Avinash Shukla, and is believed to have been used to ferry cash allegedly siphoned off from temple donations. Police are examining the vehicle's movements and other evidence to reconstruct how the money was transported and distributed after being removed from the temple premises. Ram Temple Donation Scam: Stolen Cash Hidden in Washroom, Smuggled Out in Small Batches, Say Ayodhya Police.
Officials suspect the accused may have hidden additional cash as well as gold and silver that have not yet been recovered. Searches are continuing at multiple locations linked to the accused.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has already recovered substantial amounts of cash during raids carried out over the past few days. Police have also seized gold, silver, foreign currency and a donation box bearing a QR code as part of the investigation.
Investigators are attempting to determine the total amount allegedly misappropriated and whether any assets purchased with the stolen money remain concealed. 'It Is a Great Sin': Dhirendra Krishna Shastri Condemns Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft (Watch Video).
Five-Year Re-Audit Ordered
As the probe widens, the SIT has ordered a comprehensive re-audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's accounts covering the past five years. The exercise aims to identify any financial irregularities and establish the full extent of the alleged embezzlement.
Officials said the re-audit is intended to strengthen the investigation by comparing financial records with donation collections and deposits made over the years. The case came to light after alleged discrepancies were detected in the counting of donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Eight people have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft.
Police allege that some of the accused exploited gaps in surveillance during the counting process, concealed cash within the temple complex and later smuggled it out in small quantities to avoid detection. Investigators have recovered around ₹80 lakh in cash so far, but believe further recoveries are possible as the probe continues.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2026 08:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
