Sources claim temple authorities recovered money before FIR was registered, raising questions about procedural lapses and handling of the donation theft case
The Ram Mandir donation theft case has taken a turn with new revelations raising questions about the culpability of people working for the temple’s trust. Sources have told India Today TV that nearly Rs 58 lakh of money stolen from the donation proceeds was traced and recovered even before a Special Investigation Team appointed by the UP government began an investigation into the matter.
According to the sources, certain members of the Trust carried out their own internal investigation and recovered Rs 58 lakh from Avinash Shukla, who is among the eight people arrested last week in the theft case. This recovery was made several days before the allegations of theft became public and the SIT was constituted.
Timeline of events
Sources said that on June 5, representatives of the Trust, acting on the instructions of then General Secretary Champat Rai, accompanied police personnel to the residence of accused Avinash Shukla. During the visit, nearly Rs 58 lakh was allegedly recovered. Soon after, Rai, along with trustee Anil Mishra, stepped down on moral grounds.
Sources further claimed that between June 5 and June 8, the remaining amount was returned by the accused through bank transfers.
The timeline according to sources:
- June 4: Information about the alleged theft reaches the Trust
- June 5: Trust officials and police visit accused’s residence; nearly Rs 58 lakh recovered
- June 5-8: Remaining amount returned through bank transfers
- June 7: Allegations of donation theft enter the public domain
Arrests, resignations, and SIT probe
The alleged donation theft first came into public focus on June 7 after claims surfaced that offerings made by devotees at the Ram Temple had been misappropriated.
As the controversy escalated, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team on June 13 following a request from the Trust. The probe eventually led to the arrest of eight accused in the case.
The controversy also triggered a shake-up within the Trust. Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra stepped down amid growing scrutiny surrounding the case.
According to sources, the SIT probe has uncovered multiple alleged lapses in cash handling, employee verification, and CCTV monitoring systems. Investigators have also examined appointments linked to outsourced personnel involved in donation management.
Political reactions
The case has sparked a political confrontation. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned how the alleged irregularities could have gone unnoticed despite the government’s close monitoring of developments in Ayodhya. The Vishva Hindu Parishad has called for a transparent investigation while insisting that those found guilty should face strict action.
With fresh details now emerging about the days preceding the FIR, investigators are examining whether the alleged pre-complaint recovery of funds has any bearing on the larger case and whether established procedures were followed during the initial response to the suspected theft.
