- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Fri, 03 Jul 2026 03:23 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Ram Mandir donation theft probe widens to family.
- Rs 20.40 lakh cash recovered from Avinash Shukla.
- Police investigating brothers' new houses, bank accounts.
The investigation into the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft case has widened, with police now focusing on the family of the main accused, Avinash Shukla, in neighbouring Pratapgarh district.
The probe gained momentum after police reportedly recovered Rs 20.40 lakh in cash from Avinash Shukla's room. Investigators are now expected to examine his residence in Babupur Nariyawan village, along with the recently constructed houses of his brothers, to trace the alleged flow of money.
While the investigation was underway after Avinash was taken into custody, a video of his brother holding bundles of currency notes raised police eyebrows. This suggests the money may have been divided and invested among multiple individuals.
Under such circumstances, the police force in Ayodhya will speed up their investigation. The Ayodhya police might take help from the Pratapgarh police force. The Ayodhya police also might contact the Pratapgarh SP. Besides this, they would dig into the geographical and historical background of Avinash's brother too.
The young man who displayed such wealth comes from a very humble family, and therefore, how he was funded for the Reel would be explored. The law will now tighten the screws on each family member. Furthermore, Avinash's brothers recently built a new house.
While Avinash's parents continue to live in their ancestral house, police will reportedly investigate how his brothers financed their recently built properties. Authorities may also scrutinise the bank accounts of Avinash's brother, Amit Shukla, as part of the ongoing probe.
Additional Superintendent of Police (West) Brijnandan Rai said the Pratapgarh Police will fully cooperate if the Ayodhya Police seek assistance in the investigation.