Ayodhya: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to investigate the alleged embezzlement of offerings at the Ram Temple remained active for the second consecutive day on Friday. The team visited the temple Premises and continued its investigation into the Case.
According to Sources, the SIT Questioned Gopal Rao and Gathered information on several aspects related to the investigation. Meanwhile, on Friday morning, Ayodhya Police reached the district Jail and after obtaining Permission from the Court, took the Prime accused, Avinash Shukla, into custody. He was brought to the Police Lines, Where he underwent a medical examination before being Subjected to nearly two hours of intensive Questioning.
Following the interrogation, the Police left for Pratapgarh with the accused. During Questioning, investigators reportedly learned that Avinash Shukla had concealed Gold and Silver ornaments as well as cash received from temple offerings at different locations.
As Part of the investigation, the Police also took him to his Yoga centre in Kaushalpuri, Ayodhya, Where they verified facts and evidence related to the case. Senior Police officials inspected the Premises While extensive security arrangements were Put in Place.
Acting on the accused disclosure, the Police recovered a Maruti Brezza car (Registration No. UP-42 AP-6054) from the Kaushalpuri area of Ayodhya. According to the Police, the vehicle, Purchased about a Year ago, was allegedly used for transporting cash linked to the Offence.
A resident of Pratapgarh, Avinash Shukla was employed in counting offerings at the Ram Temple and was living in a rented house in Ayodhya. Earlier, Police had recovered approximately ₹20 lakh in cash, 1,000 US dollars, Gold and Silver ornaments and a box labelled “Ramrajya Kosh” from his Room.
Meanwhile, the Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has initiated action against the under-construction houses of two other accused in the case, Lavkush Mishra and Anukalp Mishra. The authority has issued a notice to Supriya Mishra, wife of Lavkush Mishra. However, She has Claimed that She has not received any notice and maintained that the building Plan for the house had been duly approved.
“We only Pray to God that My Husband Returns home Safely,” She Said.
The SIT and the Police continue their investigation and further legal action is expected based on the evidence being Collected.
