The investigation into the theft of offerings from the Ram Mandir has reached a critical stage, with key accused Ramshankar Yadav, known as ‘Tinnu,’ and his nephew Manish Yadav undergoing intensive questioning during their 39-hour custody remand. Police secured the custody remand from the court and took both accused into custody on Saturday morning. As part of the probe, the police accompanied the accused to their residence and the Ram Janmabhoomi complex to gather evidence.
Investigating Officer Ashutosh Tiwari is currently interrogating the accused at the Police Lines to reconstruct the sequence of events and validate earlier evidence. The interrogation revealed that Ramshankar Yadav allegedly held all the keys to the temple’s donation boxes without official authorization. It also implicated a senior Trust member who reportedly provided the donation box keys to Tinnu unofficially.
Further investigation uncovered that Tinnu had unrestricted access to the temple premises and could freely enter any gate without permission. He was also able to move in and out of the donation counting area without restriction. Police discovered that Tinnu facilitated his nephew’s appointment to the donation counting team and recovered Rs 2 lakh stolen from the donation boxes from Manish Yadav.
The probe disclosed that Ramshankar Yadav established a construction company in his wife’s name and allegedly influenced his son’s job in the Public Works Department through connections to the Ram Mandir. The interrogation of both accused is ongoing, with expectations of significant revelations during the remaining custody period. The police anticipate that the questioning of the uncle-nephew duo will be crucial in unraveling the alleged conspiracy and financial trail.
The custody of Ramshankar Yadav and Manish Yadav is set to continue until Sunday night, after which they will be presented before the court as per the remand order.
