Even as the Uttar Pradesh Police continue their investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple, reports suggest the probe could be handed over to the CBI or another central agency, with the Yogi Adityanath government facing mounting political pressure over the case.
According to sources cited by The Indian Express, the case involves an economic offence that warrants a more extensive investigation.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government submitted its preliminary report on June 23, following which the local police registered an FIR based on its findings. On Wednesday, the state government extended the SIT's deadline until July 15 to complete its investigation.
The Ayodhya Police, which are currently leading the probe, have conducted searches across Ayodhya and neighbouring districts, recovered Rs 79.80 lakh allegedly siphoned off in recent months, and arrested eight accused so far.
However, officials believe a wider investigation is needed to trace the movable and immovable assets allegedly acquired by those involved in counting cash donations and valuables at the temple.
On Wednesday, police carried out fresh searches and recovered a donation box labelled "Ramrajya Kosh" bearing a Paytm QR code from a yoga centre in Ayodhya. According to reports, one of the accused, Avinash Shukla, had been residing at the centre for the past 10 years.
According to the police, the cash recovered from the accused includes Rs 20.39 lakh from Avinash Shukla, Rs 18.07 lakh from Karunesh Pandey, Rs 16.82 lakh from Anukalp Mishra, Rs 14.25 lakh from Lavkush Mishra, Rs 7.32 lakh from Ramashankar Mishra, and Rs 1 lakh from Ramashankar Yadav, alias Tinnu.
In addition, investigators have recovered around 11 grams of gold, approximately 375 grams of silver, and US$1,121 during the course of the investigation.
The probe has also expanded to examine the role of nearly 400 private security personnel deployed at the temple complex. Investigators are scrutinising duty rosters, CCTV footage, entry and exit records, and other evidence to determine whether security protocols were breached or if anyone facilitated the alleged embezzlement.
Police have also recorded the statement of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai, who recently offered to resign, taking "moral responsibility" for the controversy.
