Ayodhya | The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has recovered what investigators believe could be a crucial piece of evidence. During a search at the residence of accused Avinash Shukla, officials seized a wooden donation chest marked “Ramrajya Kosh” that was fitted with a QR code for digital payments. Investigators believe the recovery could help establish the alleged modus operandi behind the suspected misappropriation of devotees’ contributions and identify all those involved.
The donation chest was recovered during a search conducted at the accused’s residence as part of the SIT’s ongoing investigation. According to officials, the focus has now shifted to tracing the bank account linked to the QR code, examining digital payment records and reconstructing the alleged flow of funds.
Investigators suspect that if the QR code is found to be linked to a private bank account, forensic analysis may determine whether donations made by devotees in the name of the temple were diverted elsewhere. Digital forensic experts are expected to examine the QR code, identify the linked account, verify transaction histories and analyse other electronic evidence.
The recovery comes shortly after a local court granted the SIT an additional 15 days to complete its investigation. Officials said the extension will allow investigators to analyse the seized documents, examine electronic devices, scrutinise financial records and prepare a comprehensive report for submission before the court.
According to sources, coordinated searches have been carried out at the residences of all eight accused arrested in the case. During these searches, investigators seized documents, electronic devices and other materials believed to be relevant to the alleged conspiracy. All recovered evidence is now being examined to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify the roles of those involved.
Investigators are also examining whether similar donation chests were used at other locations and whether an unauthorised donation collection system was being operated more extensively. If additional evidence emerges, more individuals could come under the scope of the investigation.
The SIT is analysing bank accounts, digital payment records and electronic evidence to reconstruct the alleged movement of funds. Officials believe that digital transaction analysis could play a decisive role in establishing the financial trail and determining whether donations intended for the temple were misappropriated.
The investigation remains ongoing. Further legal action will depend on the findings of forensic examinations, banking records and digital evidence. Investigators believe the recovered “Ramrajya Kosh” donation chest and the data linked to its QR code could provide significant insights into the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case.
