Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Case: Man Allegedly Stole Cash 85 Times, Chargesheet Reveals

Avinash Shukla, also known as Shani, has been accused of stealing donation money from the Ram temple counting room 85 times, according to a chargesheet filed by Ayodhya police, reports the source. The chargesheet details the alleged actions of each accused through various forms of evidence. Shukla was reportedly also seen assisting other accused members in stealing money on four separate occasions.

The investigation utilized CCTV footage, mobile phone data, call detail records, and other evidence to build the case against the accused. Shukla's pattern of stealing and assisting others was significant, with Karunesh Pandey allegedly stealing twice and helping co-accused members 68 times. Manish Kumar Yadav was accused of keeping donation money on his person 16 times and aiding others 19 times.

Ramashankar Mishra and Lavkush Mishra were each seen removing and keeping cash once, while Anukalp Mishra was caught stealing once and helping other accused members 52 times. The Samajwadi Party Chief, Akhilesh Yadav, criticized the BJP over a reported 50% increase in the alleged figure of Ram temple donation theft.

The police have heavily relied on CCTV footage from July 25 to 30, 2026, to build their case. The chargesheet also reveals the alleged coordination between the accused through their mobile phones and text messages exchanged between Anukalp Mishra, Shukla, and Lavkush Mishra discussing bundles of cash and concealing the money. The investigation examined various financial trails, scrutinizing around 700 bank accounts associated with the trust and accused individuals, but no personal bank account linked to Champat Rai was found.

The advocates' association questioned the investigation, arguing that important evidence was ignored and certain people named in complaints were not examined. The final determination of guilt or innocence of the accused will be made during the trial.