Overview
- The Special Investigation Team carried out an eight-hour on-site probe Thursday and received a two-week extension to July 15 to complete its work and submit a report.
- Investigators have seized large amounts of cash, foreign currency and jewellery from accused locations, including Rs 20.39 lakh and US$1,121 from Avinash Shukla and seven-figure cash recoveries from other suspects.
- Senior Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust officials Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao have been questioned and Ayodhya court granted a 24-hour police remand for accused Avinash Shukla for further interrogation.
- Police recovered a donation chest labelled 'Ramrajya Kosh' with a QR code and are tracing QR-code transactions, bank transfers and merchant records while also probing claims that about 125 temple appointments involved payments.
- The expanded probe and ordered five-year audit shift the case from an isolated theft allegation to a systemic look at custody, bank arrangements and recruitment controls that could lead to wider institutional and legal consequences.