Teacher, Banker, Mechanic Among Ram Temple Theft Accused

New Delhi: Eight persons from various backgrounds, including a primary school teacher, a former car mechanic, a retired bank employee and a trusted aide of a senior Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Foundation functionary, have been arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, police sources said.

Investigators alleged that the defendants, most of whom were hired as contract workers through a subcontractor, abused their role in the donation-counting system to siphon cash over a period of time. Their financial transactions, assets and individual roles are under scrutiny.

Among those arrested is primary school teacher Avinash Shukla, who was tasked with cash reconciliation during counting sessions. Police sources claimed that cash, foreign currency and jewelery worth over Rs 20 lakh were seized from premises linked to him. During questioning, he allegedly described methods used to remove banknotes by taking advantage of CCTV blind spots.

Another accused, Anukalp Mishra, a contract worker in the counting unit, reportedly earns a monthly income of around Rs 15,000. Police are examining assets allegedly linked to him, including a house, a farmhouse and vehicles, and said Rs 16.8 lakh in cash was seized during searches. His connections with other defendants are also being investigated.

Lavkush Mishra, a former auto mechanic who was also part of the counting team, was allegedly involved in diverting donations. Police sources said that around Rs 14.25 lakh in cash was seized in connection with him.

Ramshankar Mishra, another contract employee involved in the counting operations, allegedly used cash in the safe room and was part of the conspiracy. Police said Rs 7.3 lakh was seized during searches linked to him.

Ramshankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, has been identified by investigators as the key accused. Initially appointed as a driver to a senior endowment official, he was later associated with the temple administration. Police alleged he gained unauthorized access to keys to the counting room and donation boxes. Digital evidence, including messages, is being examined.

Manish Kumar Yadav, a member of the counting team and related to Tinnu Yadav, is also among the accused. Police said money was seized during the searches and the person’s financial transactions are under investigation.

Subhash Chandra Srivastava, a retired bank employee assigned to oversee the counting of donations at the Pilgrim Resort Centre, allegedly failed to prevent irregularities and facilitated the diversion of funds.

Another contract worker, Karunesh Pandey, who was involved in opening donation boxes and counting cash, is also accused in the case. Police sources claimed that more than Rs 18 lakh cash was seized during searches linked to him.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities examine the alleged conspiracy and flow of funds.