In a significant development in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation theft case, police have recovered a file containing what sources described as key documents related to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust during the custodial interrogation of the main accused, Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav.
According to sources, the recovery was made after Yadav allegedly led investigators to the location where the file was kept. The documents reportedly include details related to land purchases for the temple complex, compensation records and other sensitive papers linked to Trust activities.
Yadav and his nephew Manish were taken on police remand for questioning in connection with the case. During searches at their premises, police also recovered a car and an expensive motorcycle, sources said.
Investigators are examining how the documents came into Yadav's possession, as sources claimed that several of the recovered records were outside his official responsibilities. They alleged that despite not holding any formal position in the Trust, Yadav exercised considerable influence due to his proximity to senior functionaries.
Police are also probing allegations that Yadav had a role in deciding the deployment of personnel involved in counting donations, which investigators suspect may have helped facilitate the alleged diversion of funds.
PROBE INTO FIRM LINKED TO YADAV
As part of the financial investigation, police have sought records of a firm registered in the name of Yadav's wife — Saundarya Construction and Supplier. Officials are expected to examine the firm's turnover, GST filings, bank accounts and other financial records to trace the source and movement of funds.
Sources said investigators are also examining whether any allegedly diverted money was routed through the firm to make it appear legitimate. However, police have not made any official statement confirming these allegations.
After the completion of their police remand, Yadav and his nephew were sent back to the district jail. The investigation into the alleged theft of donations and related financial transactions is underway.
AYODHYA LEADERS MEET CHAMPAT RAI
Amid the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the case, five MLAs from Ayodhya district, along with the city's mayor, met former general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Champat Rai, on Saturday evening.
The meeting took place at the Teerth Kshetra Bhawan and comes amid a series of visits by political and religious leaders expressing support for Rai during the investigation.
Those who met Rai included Ayodhya city MLA Ved Prakash Gupta, Rudauli MLA Ramchandra Yadav, Milkipur MLA Chandrabhanu Paswan, Bikapur MLA Dr Amit Singh Chauhan, Gosaiganj MLA Abhay Singh and Mayor Mahant Girishpati Tripathi.
After the meeting, the representatives said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was conducting the probe and that no conclusions should be drawn before the investigation is completed.
They said anyone found guilty would face action and added that the truth would emerge after the SIT submits its final report.
The meeting follows visits by Ayodhya traders, religious leaders and seers who have publicly backed Rai and said he should not be held responsible before the completion of the probe.
Functionaries and workers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have also met Rai in recent days.
SUPREME COURT SEEKS LOGICAL END TO PROBE
The Supreme Court on Monday said it wanted the investigation into the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple to reach a "logical end" and cautioned parties against politicising the matter.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing petitions seeking a fair and time-bound probe into the case. The matter will be heard again on July 27.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, informed the court that a status report had been filed in compliance with earlier directions and that the investigation was progressing.
Mehta said eight people had been arrested so far and that the state police were conducting the investigation through the SIT.
"The investigation is going on. I cannot reveal much at this stage. The SIT was constituted to give an opinion on whether a cognisable offence existed; the state police are conducting the investigation," he told the court.
The bench observed that the matter was essentially related to the investigation of an alleged crime and stressed that the court's focus was to ensure a proper and credible probe.
WHAT IS THE RAM TEMPLE DONATION CASE?
The case relates to allegations of theft and embezzlement of donations received at the Ayodhya Ram temple. The controversy surfaced in early June and has so far resulted in the arrest of eight people.
The FIR was registered on June 25 on a complaint filed by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Those arrested include Avinash Shukla, Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav and Subhash Srivastava.
Police have alleged that Tinnu Yadav, a former driver of Champat Rai, supervised donation boxes at the temple, while Manish Kumar Yadav was involved in counting offerings.
Investigators have already recovered cash from the residences of some accused and are probing whether additional money and valuables were allegedly diverted.
The Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member SIT on June 13 after the Trust sought a probe into allegations of misappropriation of donations. The Supreme Court is now monitoring the investigation and examining whether further steps are required to ensure a fair and credible probe.
- Ends
Published By:
Aprameya Rao
Published On:
Jul 20, 2026 23:04 IST