Ram Temple Donation Theft Case: SIT Names Avinash Shukla As Prime Accused
A preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has identified 30-year-old Avinash Shukla as the prime suspect in an embezzlement racket involving donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The SIT report indicates there is prima facie evidence of 70 separate thefts over a 40-day period. Investigators named Shukla as 'accused number one'.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of devotees' donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has named Avinash Shukla as the principal accused in its preliminary report. The report alleges that Shukla was the central figure in a racket that siphoned off cash donations over several weeks, while also highlighting serious lapses in security and oversight at the temple's donation-counting facility, as reported by TOI.
SIT Finds Prima Facie Evidence Against Avinash Shukla
According to the preliminary findings, Avinash Shukla, who was involved in the temple's donation-counting process, has been identified as Accused No. 1. The SIT said it found prima facie evidence suggesting that he played a key role in the alleged misappropriation of devotees' offerings. The investigation alleges that the thefts took place repeatedly over a period of around 40 days, during which cash was allegedly removed from donation collections on multiple occasions. Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Row: Maharashtra Congress to Launch Statewide Protest Against BJP, RSS.
Probe Reveals Security and Monitoring Lapses
The SIT has pointed to several operational failures that allegedly enabled the thefts. These include inadequate frisking of staff, poor CCTV monitoring and weak supervision in the donation-counting system. Investigators have also found that the six accused named in the case were recruited through referrals from individuals linked to the temple trust, raising questions about the hiring process and internal safeguards.
Ram Mandir Trust Responds After Preliminary Report
Following the release of the preliminary report, senior trust functionary Champat Rai said he would respond to the allegations only after the SIT submits its final report. He stated that a point-by-point reply would be given once the investigation is complete. Ram Mandir Trust Says All Devotee Donations Are Safe, Displays Gold-Plated Ramcharitmanas (Video).
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has also initiated administrative measures, including the formation of a committee to appoint a professional Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with officials indicating that stronger institutional mechanisms are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
An Ayodhya court has granted police custody of three accused to facilitate further questioning. Investigators are examining financial transactions, recovery of cash and valuables, and the alleged movement of funds as they attempt to establish the full extent of the suspected embezzlement.
The SIT's inquiry is ongoing, and officials are expected to submit a final report after completing further examination of evidence and witness statements.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 08, 2026 11:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
