A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has identified Avinash Shukla as the main accused in the alleged theft of devotees’ donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The preliminary report says investigators found the strongest evidence against the 30-year-old temple worker, who counted cash offerings. Based on that evidence, the SIT listed him as Accused No. 1 and linked him to a suspected 40-day operation involving nearly 70 alleged thefts from the temple’s donation-counting system.
Probe Identifies Six Suspects
The nine-page report says the suspected operation revolved around Shukla. Investigators used CCTV footage, recovery records, bank account analysis and witness statements to trace the alleged conspiracy. The evidence also helped the SIT identify five other accused and reconstruct how the alleged thefts took place inside the counting room.
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Trust Reviewed Interim Findings
The three-member SIT submitted its preliminary report to Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad on June 23. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust later discussed the interim findings during a meeting. Officials have described the report as preliminary, and investigators continue to examine the case before submitting the final report.
Investigation Continues
The alleged donation theft case surfaced after authorities began investigating irregularities in the handling of devotees’ offerings at the temple. The SIT has already established prima facie evidence against six accused, while investigators continue to examine the financial trail and gather more evidence as the probe moves forward.
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