Daijiworld Media Network – Ayodhya

Ayodhya, Jul 7: Avinash Shukla, one of the accused in the alleged Ram temple donation embezzlement case, has admitted during police interrogation that he spent nearly Rs 19 lakh of the misappropriated money on his family members and friends, according to police sources.

During questioning, Shukla allegedly told investigators that he spent around Rs 6 lakh on the wedding celebrations of one of his brothers and gave another brother Rs 5 lakh. Police also found that he had purchased a car worth about Rs 3.5 lakh using the funds. The vehicle has since been recovered.

Investigators further claimed that Shukla transferred around Rs 2.5 lakh to one of his friends and also gifted the individual an expensive mobile phone. Smaller amounts of money were allegedly distributed to several other people as well.

As part of the investigation, police have questioned two of Shukla's brothers and seized documents believed to be linked to the case. Officials are also examining a parcel of land purchased in 2024 in the name of his brother, Abhishek Shukla, besides scrutinising bank accounts that allegedly received transfers from the accused.

Police have initiated legal proceedings to recover the funds that were allegedly routed to different individuals.

Earlier searches led to the recovery of Rs 20.39 lakh in cash, USD 1,121, gold jewellery, silver ornaments, other valuables, and a car from Shukla's possession. The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donation funds is continuing.