Ram temple offering theft case: Donations were collected from devotees through fake receipts, big revelations in SIT investigation

Ayodhya, 9 July. New and shocking revelations have come to light in the investigation of Ram Temple offering theft case. According to the police, the accused used fake receipts resembling those of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to collect money in the name of donations from devotees. The Trust’s logo was also printed on these fake receipts, making it difficult for devotees to differentiate between genuine and fake receipts. On Wednesday, the police detained the three accused arrested in this case, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey, for questioning after getting their remand from the local court. During interrogation, the police also recovered an old fake receipt book.

Method changed after implementation of online system

According to sources, during interrogation, the accused told that they, along with the main accused Tinnu Yadav, had initially collected the amount of offering from the devotees through these fake receipts. Later, when the Trust implemented the online receipt system, this method was discontinued.

Donation box with QR code found from yoga center

During the investigation, the police had also seized a donation box named ‘Ramrajya Kosh’ from a yoga center in Ayodhya a week ago, which had an active QR code for payment. It is alleged that the main accused Avinash Shukla was living in the same yoga center for the last 10 years.

Raids on bullion traders and businessmen also

As part of the investigation, the police also took the accused to Jaura area of ​​14 Kosi Parikrama Marg, where it is suspected that the stolen cash was counted and distributed. Apart from this, search operations were also conducted at the premises belonging to relatives of Anukalp Mishra in Milkipur area, a bullion trader and a building material businessman of Inayatnagar.

Investigation of 70 suspicious incidents in 40 days

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now trying to find out whether the accused paid for the properties and goods allegedly purchased in cash or through digital means. Besides, bills and vouchers related to big expenses of the Trust are also being examined. So far eight accused have been arrested in this case. The preliminary investigation by SIT has revealed about 70 suspicious incidents of theft of offerings within 40 days. The investigating agency is also thoroughly investigating the role of the accused as well as possible procedural lapses in counting of donations and security arrangements.