Ram Mandir Donations – UP Police Seek Remand of Key Accused in Ayodhya Case
Ram Mandir Donations – The Uttar Pradesh Police’s request for the remand of Avinash Shukla, a key accused in the alleged Ram Janmabhoomi Temple donation misappropriation case, is set to be heard on Thursday. The matter is part of an ongoing investigation into claims of financial irregularities involving donations collected at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
Police Continue Evidence Collection
Police teams have continued to gather material connected with the case. On June 28, a team headed by Circle Officer Ashutosh Kumar visited Shukla’s residence in Ayodhya as part of the inquiry. Officials examined available records and sought information that could assist the investigation.
The police remand application is expected to be considered by the court as investigators attempt to clarify the alleged role of those named in the FIR. The case has drawn public attention because it concerns donations made by devotees to the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
SIT Receives Additional Time for Probe
The Special Investigation Team, or SIT, handling the matter has received a 15-day extension to complete its inquiry. The additional time has been granted to allow investigators to examine more evidence, verify financial details and assess all aspects linked to the allegations.
Officials said the investigation would be expanded where necessary so that every relevant lead can be checked. The SIT is expected to review records, statements and other material connected with the handling of temple donations.
FIR Filed Following Misappropriation Allegations
The controversy began after an FIR was registered on June 25 over allegations that donations received at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple had been misappropriated. The Uttar Pradesh Government directed that a case be registered under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The FIR includes Sections 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61 and 3(5) of the BNS. Authorities have not made any final determination on the allegations, and the matter remains under investigation.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has said it supports a fair and transparent inquiry. The Trust has also stated that protecting the confidence of devotees remains an important concern during the investigation.
Several Individuals Named in Case
Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Tinnu Yadav and Manish Yadav are among those named in the FIR, along with others. The case followed allegations raised by former Ayodhya SP MLA Pawan Pandey, who claimed that donations worth between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore had been misappropriated.
The claims are being examined by the SIT, and investigators are expected to assess the available financial records before reaching conclusions. Police have said that action will be taken in accordance with the evidence gathered during the inquiry.
Court Sent Accused to Judicial Custody
On June 29, an Ayodhya court sent all accused in the alleged donation embezzlement case to 14 days of judicial custody. The court order came after investigators presented details related to the preliminary inquiry into the alleged financial irregularities.
The upcoming hearing on the remand plea could allow police to seek further questioning of Shukla as the investigation progresses. Any decision on remand will be taken by the court after hearing the police application and the response from the accused side.
Trust Officials May Be Questioned
Former Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra had earlier stepped down, accepting moral responsibility amid the controversy. Police have recorded Rai’s statement in connection with the case.
Investigators may also record statements from other senior Trust office-bearers, including Anil Mishra, if required. The SIT’s extended investigation is likely to focus on establishing the complete sequence of events and identifying whether any individual was responsible for wrongdoing.