Bengaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ayodhya Sri Ram Mandir has uncovered fresh leads suggesting a broader, more organised network that may extend into Karnataka.
Investigators say the probe, which began after reports of cash being stolen from donation boxes, now includes allegations that gold and silver ornaments donated by devotees were systematically siphoned off. More than Rs 80 lakh in cash has been seized from eight accused, but the donated jewellery has not been recovered, officials said.
Sources told the SIT that the alleged fraud started during the weighing and recording of gold offerings. On some occasions devotees reportedly donated 26–27 kg of gold, while official records showed only 25 kg, suggesting deliberate rounding down to conceal missing items. Investigators believe the ornaments were packed into bags and transported by train out of Uttar Pradesh to Karnataka rather than being melted locally, where discovery risk would have been higher. Members of the alleged syndicate are said to have travelled separately by air to coordinate the operation.
Officials suspect the jewellery was melted into gold biscuits to erase identifying features, complicating recovery. The SIT is probing the possible involvement of nearly 200 people in varying roles across the alleged network.
Interrogations have also revealed claims of large-scale cash diversion. One accused, Avinash Shukla, reportedly told investigators that between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 8 lakh was taken from daily collections and shared among syndicate members in a park near the temple, with alleged kingpin Tinnu Yadav receiving the largest share. Investigators say banking records appear to corroborate irregularities: earlier daily deposits to the temple’s SBI account averaged Rs 16–18 lakh but have risen to Rs 24–26 lakh after the alleged racket was exposed and monitoring tightened.
The SIT has seized a second-hand car linked to the accused’s brother, Abhishek, recovering jewellery, cash and documents reportedly related to financial transactions. Officials intend to seek custody of Tinnu Yadav for further questioning.
The probe has widened to review the temple trust’s financial records; three chartered accountants — identified as Chandan Rai, Narpat Thopia and Akshay — have been questioned about accounting practices and related documentation.
A Ram Mandir Trust meeting is scheduled for July 6, where reported resignations of trustee Anil Mishra and general secretary Champat Rai are expected to be discussed. Meanwhile, a petition seeking transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation has been filed before the Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow Bench and may be heard soon.
The SIT said the investigation is ongoing as teams work to trace the complete money trail and identify all beneficiaries of the alleged diversion. Officials cautioned that further details may emerge as the probe progresses.