Ram Mandir Donation Theft Probe Intensifies as Police Question Tinnu Yadav, Nephew During Custody

The investigation into the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Mandir has entered a crucial stage, with police intensifying the interrogation of key accused Ramshankar Yadav, alias 'Tinnu', and his nephew Manish Yadav during their 39-hour police remand.

The duo were taken into police custody at around 8 a.m. on Saturday after a court granted investigators 39 hours of custodial interrogation.

Police Reconstruct Events

As part of the investigation, police took both accused to their residence at around 3 a.m. on Sunday before escorting Ramshankar Yadav to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex as investigators sought to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Investigating Officer Ashutosh Tiwari is leading the interrogation at the Police Lines, where officers are examining evidence collected during earlier stages of the probe.

Allegations Under Investigation

According to investigators, questioning has indicated that the keys to the temple's donation boxes were allegedly kept by Ramshankar Yadav without official authorisation.

Police are also examining allegations that a senior member of the temple trust unofficially handed over the donation box keys to him.

Investigators further alleged that Ramshankar Yadav had unrestricted access to the temple premises, enabling him to move freely through various entry points and access the donation counting area.

Financial Trail Being Examined

Police said the investigation has revealed that Ramshankar Yadav allegedly facilitated the appointment of his nephew, Manish Yadav, to the temple's donation counting team.

Investigators have earlier recovered ₹2 lakh, which they allege was stolen from the temple's donation boxes, from Manish Yadav.

Police are also examining the financial trail, including allegations that Ramshankar Yadav established a construction company in his wife's name and that his son obtained employment in the Public Works Department (PWD) through alleged influence linked to the temple.

Further Questioning Underway

Officials said the interrogation of both accused is continuing and further developments are expected during the remaining period of police custody.

Police have already completed the custodial interrogation of six other accused in the case. Investigators believe the questioning of the uncle-nephew duo will be crucial in establishing the alleged conspiracy, tracing the financial trail and determining the role of each accused.

The two accused are scheduled to be produced before the court after the expiry of their police remand on Sunday night.