No criminal history for Ram Temple embezzlement accused, say sources

Ayodhya, July 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) The eight individuals arrested for the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya don't have any previous criminal record, sources said on Saturday.

According to sources privy to the investigation, the accused also had no prior experience in planning or executing thefts of this nature, raising questions about who masterminded the "large-scale irregularities".

Police are now reportedly searching for the mastermind behind the alleged embezzlement of donations and offerings.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting on Monday, during which members will consider the resignations submitted by the Trust's General Secretary, Champat Rai, and Trustee Anil Mishra. Post the meeting on Monday, police are scheduled to question the office-bearers associated with the Trust.

According to sources, the police have not yet questioned Trustee Anil Mishra or temple official Gopal Rao.

Meanwhile, Ayodhya police have obtained land and bank records of the accused and are investigating whether the assets constitute "proceeds of crime", sources said on Saturday.

Police sources stated that they had requested records of land parcels belonging to the accused and their family members from the Revenue Department.

The police have so far received records for approximately 20 land parcels from the department and are currently verifying them.

According to the police, the dates on which these properties were purchased and on which the accused became associated with the Ram Mandir Trust are crucial details currently being verified. If the properties were purchased after the accused became associated with the Ram Mandir Trust, the administration could classify them as "proceeds of crime", sources said.

Earlier on Friday, acting on information provided by main accused Avinash Shukla, the Ayodhya police seized a four-wheeler vehicle, designating it as "proceeds of crime".

Investigators on Friday also uncovered what is believed to be the location where the accused allegedly distributed the stolen money among themselves.

During police remand, Shukla was taken to a site near the 14-Kosi Parikrama route in Ayodhya, where he reportedly identified the exact spot where the cash was divided.

Eight accused, including Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Kamlesh Pandey, and Tinu Yadav, allegedly gathered at this location after the theft to divide the stolen donations, sources privy to the probe told IANS.

Source: IANS