Ayodhya, July 4: The investigation into the Ram Temple donation case has expanded, with Ayodhya police examining the land and bank records of the accused to determine whether their assets qualify as proceeds of crime.
Police have sought details of land holdings owned by the accused and their family members from the Revenue Department. So far, records relating to around 20 land parcels have been received and are being verified.
Ram Temple Donation Case Focuses on Assets
Investigators are examining when the properties were purchased and whether the acquisitions took place after the accused became associated with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. If so, the assets could be treated as proceeds of crime during the investigation.
On Friday, police seized a four wheeler linked to the main accused, Avinash Shukla, after identifying it as alleged proceeds of crime.
During police remand, Shukla reportedly led investigators to a location near the 14 Kosi Parikrama route in Ayodhya. Police believe the accused gathered there to distribute the stolen donation money.
According to sources, Shukla reconstructed the sequence of events and explained how the cash was allegedly shared among eight accused. Investigators also recovered an undisclosed valuable item from the same location, which is expected to strengthen the prosecution’s case.
Police are now examining whether more evidence or valuables remain hidden while verifying the statements made during remand.
The case was registered at Ayodhya Kotwali Police Station following a complaint by Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Eight people have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft. They include Trust employees Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra and Avinash Shukla, along with Ramshankar Yadav and retired bank employee Subhash Srivastava.
The investigation began after a three member Special Investigation Team reported alleged irregularities at multiple levels in its preliminary findings.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
