Ram Shankar Yadav alias ‘Tino’, a close aide and driver of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra general secretary Champat Rai, is among eight people arrested by Ayodhya police in connection with alleged embezzlement and theft of cash and gold offerings from Ram Mandir.
The police arrested the eight defendants on Friday morning as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the handling and counting of donations received at the temple.
Yadav, one of the most prominent figures among those arrested, comes from the city of Ayodhya and came from humble beginnings. His father ran a small café near Naya Ghat, and Yadav worked as an auto driver and speedster in the city during the mid-1990s. Over the years, he became closely associated with Champat Rai and allegedly gained influence within the temple’s internal management system.
Investigators allege that Yadav exercised significant control over the security, counting and transportation of donations collected at the temple. He has come under scrutiny after allegations emerged of irregularities in the handling of bids and allegations that he had disproportionately amassed assets, property and gold. Yadav denied the accusations.
Who are the other arrested defendants?
Manish Yadav: Those arrested include Yadav’s nephew, Manish Yadav, son of his younger brother Balram Yadav. The police said that Manish actively participated in the process of counting donations at the temple.
Subhash Srivastava: Subhash Srivastava, a former employee of the bank, was also arrested. He served as the money counting officer at Ram Mandir and supervised the entire counting process. Given his banking background, he was specifically hired to supervise employees who counted donations.
Anukalp Mishra: The other accused, Anukalp Mishra, a resident of Basawan village in Milkipur district of Ayodhya, was assigned to count and manage the daily donations. He is related to Trust member Anil Mishra and is the brother-in-law of co-accused Lavkush Mishra. Police said stolen money was found in his home.
Lakush Mishra: Lavkush Mishra, also associated with Anil Mishra, has been given charge of donation accounting at the temple. Investigators allege that he and Anukalp Mishra were actively involved in the embezzlement of funds, allegations that were allegedly supported by CCTV footage and the recovery of money from their homes.
Avinash Shukla: Avinash Shukla, another member of the counting team, was also arrested. Police sources said there were reports of approx $Recovering 5 lakhs from his bank account He was part of a team responsible for handling and accounting for cash and valuables received as offers.
Karunesh Pandey: Karunesh Pandey has been accused of being part of the alleged conspiracy along with Anukalp and Lavkush Mishra. Investigators allege he tampered with financial records related to donations received while working as part of the core team handling the congregation’s offerings.
Ramashankar Mishra: Ramashankar Mishra, another member of the counting crew, was also arrested. The police allege that he worked in coordination with other accused to withdraw the donation money and was recorded on CCTV footage during the process of sorting the money. Investigators allege he helped bypass established financial protocols over a long period to facilitate the alleged theft.
Officials examined collection boxes, counting details, storage, accounting, access control and surveillance, and at first glance, they all pointed to irregularities in the handling of the offers, people familiar with the investigation said.
