Ram Temple Donation Theft: Avinash Shukla Embezzled Rs 19 Lakh for Friends and Family
Indiadailyupdate.com – The alleged Ram Temple donation theft case has taken a new turn with the emergence of details about Avinash Shukla, a primary school teacher accused of misusing funds intended for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. According to police sources, Shukla allegedly diverted nearly Rs 19 lakh to his relatives and close friends, sparking concerns over the transparency of donation management. This revelation has intensified scrutiny on the financial activities linked to the temple’s fundraising efforts, which are central to the religious and cultural significance of the project.
The Allegations and Investigation
Shukla was reportedly assigned the responsibility of overseeing cash reconciliation during donation-counting events at the Ram Temple. The Ayodhya Police have detained eight individuals in connection with the case, and Shukla is among the key suspects. During interrogation, he admitted to allocating Rs 6 lakh for the wedding of his brother and Rs 5 lakh to another sibling, suggesting a pattern of personal benefit. Investigators further discovered that Shukla had used approximately Rs 2.5 lakh to gift a high-value mobile phone to a friend, indicating a broader scheme of embezzlement.
The probe has uncovered additional assets linked to Shukla, including a car valued at Rs 3.5 lakh that he purchased recently. A parcel of land bought in 2024 under his brother Abhishek Shukla’s name is now under investigation, raising questions about the extent of the financial irregularities. The police have also recovered several bank accounts associated with the accused, which are being scrutinized for transactions related to the temple donations. This growing list of assets has prompted authorities to intensify their efforts to trace the full scale of the alleged theft.
Impact on Ram Temple Fundraising
So far, the investigation has recovered a total of Rs 79.80 lakh from the eight arrested individuals, with Shukla’s assets contributing the largest share. Over Rs 20 lakh in cash, foreign currency, and jewelry were seized from his residence, highlighting the magnitude of the misappropriation. A donation chest labeled “Ramrajya Kosh,” equipped with a QR code for digital payments, was also found at his home, suggesting a method to conceal the theft. This discovery has raised alarms about how donations are being tracked and managed, especially as the temple project relies heavily on public contributions.
The case gained momentum on June 7, when the Uttar Pradesh government’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) reported discrepancies in the donation records. An FIR was filed on June 25, and the inquiry is ongoing. The SIT’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the allegations, as it was established to ensure accountability in the temple’s financial operations. Public officials and religious leaders have expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Police revealed that Shukla had been living at a yoga center in Ayodhya for years, which may have provided him with access to the temple’s funds. The yoga center, known for its spiritual retreats, has become a focal point for investigators. The case has not only highlighted the personal greed of the accused but also exposed vulnerabilities in the system that manages the temple’s finances. With the Ram Temple standing as a symbol of national unity, the theft has drawn attention to the importance of transparency in its operations.
“Avinash Shukla spent around Rs 19 lakh on his friends and family members,” stated police sources. This allocation included significant sums for personal celebrations and gifts, raising questions about the transparency of donation management. The theft has sparked a debate on how to safeguard the funds collected for a project that holds immense cultural and religious importance for millions of people.
