Ram Mandir donation theft: Cops probe bribes for temple jobs, trust member's role

LUCKNOW: Ayodhya police is now probing allegations that bribes were accepted for appointments in the Ram temple.The latest line of investigation emerged during the interrogation of arrested accused, Avinash Shukla, whose statements led investigators to examine the role of a Trust member whose name surfaced repeatedly during questioning.Sources said police are probing allegations that nearly 125 employees were recruited for various positions in the Ram temple establishment after candidates allegedly paid bribe to secure appointments.Investigators are trying to find out whether an organised recruitment racket operated under the guise of temple appointments and whether money was collected from aspirants in exchange for jobs.The findings of this probe are expected to form a key part of the detailed investigation report being prepared by the Special Investigation Team.Sources said during scrutiny of records, police have so far not found appointment letters, formal service contracts or other employment-related documents for several of the recruits.This has prompted investigators to examine the recruitment process in greater detail and identify the authority under whose directions these appointments were allegedly made.Police are also preparing to question the trust member at whose behest the appointments are suspected to have been carried out. Investigators have obtained the list of individuals who were recruited and are in the process of verifying their credentials, employment records and the circumstances under which they were appointed.As part of the financial investigation, police will examine the bank accounts and financial transactions of the recruits as well as others suspected to be involved in the alleged recruitment network. Investigators will analyse whether money changed hands before or after appointments and trace the alleged flow of funds through banking channels and other financial records.The probe has expanded to include examination of properties allegedly linked to the Trust member under scrutiny. Sources said investigators are verifying whether there was any disproportionate increase in his assets during his association with the Temple Trust and whether any such assets could be linked to the alleged embezzlement of donation money or the suspected recruitment-for-commission racket.Meanwhile, arrested accused Anukalp Mishra and Lav Kush Mishra, both currently in judicial custody, have also come under the scanner for their alleged role in the recruitment process.Police said the duo may have played an active part in facilitating appointments and are examining whether they were involved in the larger conspiracy.Sources said both are relatives of a Trust member, and their relationship is also being examined as part of the investigation.Sources said they are corroborating the statements of the accused with CCTV footage, financial records, electronic evidence and witness testimonies collected during the probe.Police are expected to seek custodial interrogation of more accused after obtaining permission from the court.Senior police officials said the allegations are being scientifically verified and added that further action would be taken based on documentary evidence, forensic analysis and the financial trail uncovered.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Lucknow | Silver Rate in Lucknow | Bank Holidays in Lucknow | Public Holidays in Lucknow | Lucknow AQI | Weather in Lucknow | Petrol Price in Lucknow | Diesel Price in Lucknow | CNG Price in Lucknow | LPG Price in LucknowStay updated with the latest Lucknow news. Download the TOI App.