Shillong: Ayodhya police pushed the investigation into the Ram Mandir donation thefts into a new gear this weekend. Officers held Ramshankar Yadav, known as Tinnu, and his nephew Manish Yadav for a 39-hour custody remand. The pair entered police custody at 8 a.m. Saturday. Investigators dragged them to their home at 3 a.m. Sunday and then brought Tinnu to the Ram Janmabhoomi complex to walk through the crime scene.
Investigating Officer Ashutosh Tiwari is currently leaning on both men at the Police Lines. They want to verify evidence and piece together exactly how the cash went missing. The inquiry suggests Tinnu held all keys to the temple donation boxes without official permission. He allegedly moved freely through every gate and entered the donation counting area whenever he wanted. Investigators suspect a senior Trust member handed him the keys. "The interrogation has also reportedly indicated the involvement of a senior member of the Trust, who allegedly handed over the donation box keys to Tinnu unofficially."
The scheme ran deep. Tinnu allegedly forced his nephew onto the official donation counting team. Police already clawed back Rs 2 lakh from Manish Yadav during the probe. Beyond the temple theft, detectives found Tinnu started a construction company for his wife and allegedly used his temple clout to get his son a job in the Public Works Department. Six other suspects already faced questioning. Police keep the uncle and nephew until 11 p.m. Sunday, when they head back to court.
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