US Dollars Recovered Along With Cash in Ayodhya Temple Donation Theft Probe
The investigation into the alleged donation theft at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has uncovered another major development. Officials have recovered 1,121 US dollars, large amounts of cash, gold and silver jewellery, coins, and other valuables from the residences of the arrested accused.
According to investigation documents, the highest cash recovery was made from the residence of Avinash Shukla, where authorities seized ₹20.39 lakh along with 1,121 US dollars. The discovery of foreign currency has prompted investigators to examine its origin and whether it is connected to the temple donation theft.
Foreign Currency Raises Fresh Questions
Officials are now investigating how the US dollars came into the possession of the accused and whether they have any direct link to the alleged theft. Along with the foreign currency, investigators recovered approximately 159.54 grams of silver-like metal, an 8.14-gram yellow metal chain, and another 3.44-gram yellow metal ornament from Avinash Shukla’s residence.
The detailed recovery report has reportedly been submitted to senior authorities overseeing the investigation.
Millions in Cash Recovered From Multiple Accused
Investigation records show substantial cash recoveries from several other accused individuals:
- Karunesh Pandey: ₹18,07,063 in cash, including currency notes of various denominations and coins.
- Anukalp Mishra: ₹16,82,040 in cash.
- Lavkush Mishra: ₹14,25,000 in cash, consisting entirely of 2,850 ₹500 notes.
- Ramashankar Mishra: ₹7,32,170 in cash, along with two white metal coins and a silver toe ring weighing approximately 24.72 grams.
- Manish Kumar Yadav: ₹2 lakh in cash, including ₹500, ₹200, and ₹100 denomination notes.
- Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinku: ₹1 lakh recovered from his hostel room in New Teachers Colony.
Investigators are examining whether the cash recovery patterns reveal any common source or coordinated financial activity.
SIT Expands Investigation Into Temple Trust Audits
Sources said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is continuing to collect evidence in the case. Following preliminary findings indicating possible financial irregularities, the SIT has reportedly decided to review the last five years of the temple trust’s audit records.
Officials are expected to examine whether any discrepancies in the audit process contributed to the alleged misappropriation of temple donations. According to sources, evidence collected so far could increase scrutiny on several individuals linked to the temple administration.
Senior officials, including members of the SIT, are expected to hold a review meeting before continuing the investigation in Ayodhya.
‘Ram Rajya Kosh’ Donation Box Found During Search
During a search of Avinash Shukla’s room at the Shyam Sadhanalaya Yoga Centre in Kaushalpuri, investigators recovered a donation box labelled “Ram Rajya Kosh.” The box reportedly had a QR code attached.
Authorities are now investigating the source of donations made through the QR code and whether the collection box has any connection with the alleged temple donation theft. Officials have not yet confirmed whether any cash was recovered from inside the box.
Police Continue Searches and Question Family Members
Police also conducted raids at the ancestral homes of accused Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey. The searches lasted for nearly three hours, during which investigators recorded statements from family members. The parents of both accused were also taken along by police as part of the ongoing investigation.
The SIT continues to gather documentary and financial evidence as the high-profile Ayodhya temple donation theft investigation progresses.