LUCKNOW: Investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donation at Ram Temple has gathered pace, with Ayodhya police tracing an SUV, allegedly belonging to one of the accused Avinash Shukla, which was used to transport misappropriated cash from the temple.Police are now examining the SUV’s movement, ownership details, GPS records, CCTV footage and other forensic evidence.The development comes as police continue to question Avinash Shukla, a former employee in the Ram Temple’s donation counting section.A local court sent Shukla to police custody for 24 hours on Friday.Investigators had sought 48 hours of custodial remand, arguing that further interrogation was necessary to recover the stolen property and reconstruct the sequence of events.After being taken out of the district jail on Friday morning, Shukla was brought to the district hospital in Police Lines for a mandatory medical examination before questioning.During interrogation, a police team led by investigating officer Ashutosh Tripathi, accompanied by personnel from the special operations group (SOG), took Avinash to a rented accommodation at Shyam Sadhanalaya Yoga Kendra in Kaushalpuri, where he had allegedly stayed.Police carried out a detailed search of the room for about 10 minutes, examining documents, electronic devices and other material that could provide evidence regarding the alleged diversion of temple donations. Investigators also looked for clues that could lead to hidden cash or valuables.Police had also planned to take Shukla to his native village in Pratapgarh but he was not taken there.Sources said investigators suspect that besides Rs 20 lakh in cash and 1,000 US dollars already recovered from his possession earlier, the accused may have concealed additional cash, gold and silver ornaments received as offerings from devotees at multiple locations.Police believe the recoveries made so far represent only a part of the misappropriated donations.The interrogation is focused on identifying stash points, tracing the movement of money, recovering ornaments and establishing the role of other accused in the embezzlement.Sources said investigators have also identified an SUV allegedly used to take stolen cash from Ayodhya to multiple locations.Digital and forensic evidence linked to the SUV is expected to play a crucial role in reconstructing the movement of the stolen cash.Police said that based on the information provided by Avinash during questioning, another accused would be taken on remand.
