Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Police Raid Eight Arrested Accused Residences
Uttar Pradesh Police launched synchronized raids on Sunday targeting the residences of eight suspects arrested for allegedly siphoning off Ram temple donations in Ayodhya. Investigators deployed multiple specialized teams to uncover illicit financial trails, seize hidden assets, and secure critical documentary evidence.
Key Highlights
- Authorities executed simultaneous searches at 7:00 am across Ayodhya to prevent suspects’ families from communicating.
- Law enforcement personnel have recovered ₹79.85 lakh in connection with the alleged temple fund diversion.
- The investigation focuses heavily on the driver of the former temple trust general secretary, who is labeled the primary operative.
- State Bank of India is actively collaborating with the Special Investigation Team to review relevant banking data.
In relation to the misappropriation of Ayodhya Ram Mandir donations, law enforcement authorities conducted coordinated raids on Sunday at the residences of eight detained suspects, seizing gold, cash, and property deeds.
Accompanied by local executive magistrates, police squads searched the homes of all eight accused individuals, including Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, and Ram Shankar Yadav. These operations occurred two days after an Ayodhya court remanded the suspects to judicial custody until Monday.
During the searches, investigators gathered numerous records from Manish Yadav’s home, including Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and banking documentation. Officials confiscated currency, jewelry, and legal papers from the residence of Ram Shankar Yadav, alias Tinnu Yadav. Every suspect’s home yielded items that are currently undergoing official review. The prosecution stated that investigators have retrieved ₹79.85 lakh so far.
Future Outlook
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) plans to present the eight suspects before the court on Monday to secure custodial remand. Law enforcement officials indicated that the financial scrutiny will expand beyond Ayodhya into neighboring districts to trace whether the diverted temple funds were converted into immovable properties or parked under the names of relatives.
FAQs
What triggered the police raids in Ayodhya?
The raids were triggered by an investigation into the theft and diversion of devotees’ donations from the cash boxes at the Ram temple, following an FIR filed on June 25, 2026.
Who is considered the central figure in the donation scam?
Ram Shankar Yadav, alias Tinnu Yadav, is alleged to be the kingpin. He previously worked as a driver for Champat Rai, who recently resigned as the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
How much money has been recovered by investigators so far?
The Special Investigation Team has successfully recovered a total of ₹79.85 lakh from the suspects during the ongoing probe.
Is the State Bank of India involved in the case?
The State Bank of India is not accused of wrongdoing but is fully cooperating with the Special Investigation Team by providing financial records and banking data related to the temple trust’s accounts.
