New Twist In Ram Temple Donation Theft Case: Trust Knew Of Alleged Theft Before The FIR, Claim Sources

New twists are emerging in the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case with sources claiming that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust had come to know of the suspected financial irregularities several days before the matter was officially reported.

According to the India Today Report, the police had already searched the residence of one of the accused in early June. The latest revelations raise new questions about the timeline of events and the delay in lodging a formal complaint with the police.

Sources said police officials went to the residence of the accused, Avinash Shukla, on June 5 with representatives of the Ram Temple Trust, on the instructions of the then General Secretary, Champat Rai.

During the search, cash was allegedly recovered from the premises, indicating that authorities had already begun looking into the suspected misappropriation of temple donations.

However, according to sources, no formal First Information Report (FIR) was registered immediately after the search. The operation was reportedly carried out informally, though officials have not publicly confirmed these claims.

The alleged irregularities became public only on June 7, triggering widespread attention and calls for a detailed investigation.

CCTV Footage Surfaces

Meanwhile, CCTV footage purportedly linked to the case has also surfaced.
The 24-second video allegedly shows police personnel escorting accused Avinash Shukla towards a white vehicle after taking him into custody. He is also seen carrying a black bag, which sources claim contained cash recovered during the search.

Authorities have not officially verified the authenticity of the footage or confirmed the claims surrounding the contents of the bag.

Police are yet to issue a detailed statement explaining the sequence of events between the initial search and the formal registration of the case.

SIT Expands Investigation

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged financial irregularities has reportedly identified several areas requiring closer scrutiny.

According to sources, investigators found possible lapses in the handling of donations, employee verification procedures and CCTV surveillance systems at the temple.
The probe has also expanded to examine the recruitment of personnel through outsourcing agencies and whether proper verification procedures were followed.

Officials are also investigating land purchases and procurement linked to the temple project as part of the broader inquiry.

The SIT has submitted its findings to the Uttar Pradesh government.

Raids Conducted at Homes of Eight Accused

On Sunday, Ayodhya Police carried out simultaneous raids at the residences of all eight people arrested in connection with the alleged donation theft case.

Police teams, accompanied by local magistrates, searched the homes of the accused, including Lav Kush Mishra, Avinash Shukla and Ramashankar Yadav.
The searches were conducted after a court sent all eight accused to judicial custody until June 29.

Police are expected to seek custodial remand when the accused are produced before the court for further proceedings.

How the Case Began

The Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team on June 13 after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust sought an investigation into allegations of financial irregularities involving temple donations.

The controversy gained national attention after Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav publicly referred to reports claiming that large sums of donation money were unaccounted for and urged judicial intervention.

Since then, the investigation has widened, with police examining financial transactions, recovered cash, assets and documentary evidence.

Political Reactions Intensify

The case has also sparked a political debate in Uttar Pradesh. Akhilesh Yadav questioned how the alleged irregularities could have remained unnoticed despite regular official oversight at the temple.

Meanwhile, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President Alok Kumar said no one found guilty should be protected and called for a transparent investigation.
He also appealed for the probe to be completed at the earliest while accusing political parties of attempting to use the issue for electoral gains ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.