Ram Temple offering embezzlement probe intensifies; 3 jailed accused questioned for 5 hours

Police investigating the alleged embezzlement of offerings at the Ram Temple conducted a five-hour interrogation of three jailed accused on Sunday as part of their ongoing probe.

After obtaining permission from the court, Investigating Officer and Circle Officer (Ayodhya), Ashutosh Tiwari, arrived at the jail in the morning and questioned the accused both individually and jointly until late afternoon.

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Based on evidence collected earlier and information obtained from the previously arrested accused, Avinash Shukla, the three accused were questioned on several aspects of the case. Their written statements were also recorded and will form part of the ongoing investigation.

Police also verified details emerging from CCTV footage. Investigators believe the findings could support an application before the court seeking police custody of the remaining accused.

According to sources, investigators are particularly examining the role of Ramshankar Yadav, alias Tinnu, in the alleged embezzlement. Based on the responses of the other accused, police are formulating a strategy to interrogate Tinnu, which they believe could yield crucial information about the case.

On Sunday, police questioned Anukul Mishra, Luvkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey. They were initially interrogated separately before being brought together for a joint session to reconcile their statements. Police have obtained court permission to question seven other accused, excluding Avinash Shukla, and the schedule for their interrogation will be finalised soon.

The investigation is now centred on Ramshankar Yadav, alias Tinnu. Officials believe that questioning the other accused will help frame key questions for him. Preparations are also underway to seek his police custody remand.

Investigators are trying to establish how cash was allegedly removed from the temple premises, identify those involved in the process, and determine whether there was any negligence or collusion at any level.

According to sources, accused Anukalp Mishra was responsible for preparing vouchers during the counting of offerings. Investigators suspect that the voucher preparation process may have been used to conceal financial irregularities. Police are piecing together documentary and other evidence to build a strong case for prosecution.

The investigation has now shifted its focus to identifying the alleged mastermind behind the embezzlement. Police believe that a financial irregularity of this scale could not have been carried out by a single individual.

Investigators are therefore examining who designed the alleged scheme, assigned responsibilities and directed the misappropriation of funds. Officials believe that establishing this chain of command could reveal further details about the alleged conspiracy.