Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case: Accused Tinnu, Subhash Sent to 14-Hour Police Custody

AYODHYA, July 15: The investigation into the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Mandir has entered a significant phase after a special court permitted police to take the two principal accused into custody for a limited period to facilitate further questioning and evidence collection.

The Court of the Special Judge (Anti-Corruption) approved a 14-hour police remand for Ramshankar Yadav, popularly known as Tinnu, and Subhash Srivastava, who are accused of involvement in the alleged misappropriation of temple offerings. Authorities believe the custody period will enable investigators to recover missing cash and valuables while piecing together the circumstances surrounding the case.

Police to Conduct Intensive Interrogation

According to the court’s directive, the accused will remain in police custody from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on July 15. During this period, the investigating team has been authorised to interrogate both individuals at multiple locations if required and carry out searches linked to the ongoing investigation.

Officials said the custodial questioning is expected to assist in identifying the whereabouts of the allegedly stolen money and other valuables while helping investigators establish whether additional individuals were involved in the suspected conspiracy.

Investigators Sought Longer Custody

The request for police remand was filed on July 10 by Ashutosh Tiwari, Circle Officer (CJI), who is leading the investigation.

In the application submitted before the Special Judge (Anti-Corruption), investigators had sought seven days of police custody, arguing that custodial interrogation was essential to recover the missing property and obtain crucial information that could not be collected through routine questioning.

The investigation team maintained that several aspects of the alleged offence remain unresolved and that police custody was necessary to verify statements, identify evidence, and reconstruct the sequence of events surrounding the disappearance of temple donations.

Arguments Presented Before the Court

During Tuesday’s proceedings, both the prosecution and the defence presented detailed submissions regarding the remand application.

The prosecution argued that custodial interrogation was indispensable for tracing the allegedly misappropriated funds and uncovering the complete network behind the incident.

On the other hand, defence counsel Advocate Kulshekhar Singh opposed the police remand request, challenging the need for custodial interrogation.

After considering submissions from both sides, Special Judge Rajat Verma allowed a limited period of police custody instead of the seven days sought by investigators.

Who Are the Accused?

Among those remanded is Subhash Srivastava, who reportedly served as the counting in-charge responsible for handling temple offerings.

The second accused, Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu, is alleged to have played a key role in the suspected embezzlement.

Investigators are examining whether the accused acted independently or with assistance from others and whether additional financial irregularities may have occurred.

Focus on Recovery of Temple Offerings

Police officials indicated that one of the primary objectives during the remand period will be the recovery of cash and valuables allegedly taken from the temple donation collection.

Investigators are expected to confront the accused with evidence already gathered, verify financial transactions, and identify possible locations where the missing property may have been concealed.

Authorities also intend to examine digital records, communication details, and other documentary evidence that could strengthen the prosecution’s case.

Investigation Continues

The case has attracted considerable public attention because it concerns donations made by devotees at one of the country’s most prominent religious sites.

Officials emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing and that all aspects of the alleged theft are being examined thoroughly. Depending on the outcome of the custodial interrogation, police may conduct further searches, question additional witnesses, and recover more evidence connected to the case.

The findings from the remand proceedings are expected to play an important role in determining the next phase of the investigation, including the filing of supplementary evidence before the court and efforts to recover the remaining missing assets.