Shocking Revelations in Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Donation Theft Case

In a recent investigation into the theft of millions in donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, key suspect Avinash Shukla has made alarming revelations. He detailed how the theft was orchestrated, exploiting security flaws and the temple's donation management system. With several accomplices involved, the police are now delving into the financial trails and properties linked to the suspects. This case has raised significant concerns about oversight within the temple's donation processes, leading to resignations among top officials. As the investigation unfolds, the extent of the theft and the involvement of other individuals remain under scrutiny.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 1, 2026, 11:47 IST

Key Suspect Reveals Details of the Theft

In a startling turn of events, Avinash Shukla, one of the main suspects arrested in the theft of millions in donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, made several shocking disclosures during police interrogation. Following court approval, police conducted an intensive two-hour questioning session with Shukla on Tuesday.

During the interrogation, he not only confessed to the theft of substantial amounts but also explained how the security lapses and donation counting flaws within the temple premises facilitated this massive fraud.

The Theft Methodology

Utilizing Blind Spots: According to police sources, Shukla detailed the methods used to evade capture. The suspects were well aware of the exact locations of the CCTV cameras installed in the temple, allowing them to extract cash without being seen.

Circled for Theft: During the counting of donations, several accomplices would collaborate. One individual would take the cash while others formed a circle around him to shield him from the cameras or any onlookers.

Hiding Money in Bathrooms: Taking the stolen money out of the premises immediately posed a risk, so the suspects would first hide the cash in the temple's bathrooms before later retrieving it safely.

Betrayal of Trust: Shukla claimed that his close ties with senior officials of the trust meant that he was not suspected, nor was he closely monitored.

Management and Oversight Issues

Following concerns raised about the management and oversight of donations at the temple, last week, Mishra and Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, resigned. Besides Shukla, seven others were arrested, including Ramashankar alias Tinnu Yadav, who is said to be a close associate of Champat Rai, along with counting in-charge Subhash Srivastava and staff members Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Ram Shankar Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey.

Access to Counting Room and CCTV Flaws

Sources indicate that Shukla informed police that one of the keys to the donation counting room was with Tinnu Yadav, while the other was held by bank employees. He alleged that the theft was executed with the collusion of several individuals; one person would take the cash while others would encircle him to conceal the act.

Investigators were informed that all suspects were aware of the camera locations within the premises. They reportedly used this knowledge to avoid detection and would hide the money in places like bathrooms before attempting to take it outside.

Surveillance System and Financial Tracking

The suspects also revealed that the monitoring of the cameras in the temple was conducted from a control room, but the staff responsible for surveillance did not closely observe their activities.

Shukla further stated that the stolen funds were allegedly used to purchase land and houses. The police are currently investigating the financial details and properties linked to the suspects, focusing on how long the theft continued undetected and whether others were involved.

Recovery of Stolen Funds

Before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed on June 13 to probe the theft allegations, it was revealed that 5.8 million rupees had already been recovered from Shukla's residence on June 5, prior to the filing of the FIR. Meanwhile, the remaining funds were reportedly returned via bank transfers between June 5 and June 8, indicating attempts to recover the embezzled money began before the case formally entered the legal process.