The Digital Mirror of India
Gold was recovered from Ram Mandir Trust employee Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu's home in Ayodhya during a confidential operation by the Trust's investigation team and police.
The quantity and value of the gold remain unconfirmed.
Other individuals, including construction in-charge Gopal Rao's nephew, are under scrutiny.
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Gold was discovered at the residence of Ram Mandir Trust employee Ramshankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu, during a confidential operation conducted by the Trust's investigation team and police on Saturday. The exact quantity and value of the gold have not been disclosed, but sources suggest it could be worth crores. Tinnu, considered close to Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, manages key responsibilities such as security and depositing offerings in the bank.
Gopal Rao, the construction in-charge for the Ram Mandir, and his nephew Somesh Anand are also under investigation. Somesh reportedly made over 50 trips in the past year, often carrying luggage in sacks while traveling by train and returning empty-handed via flights. Allegations suggest he transported money and items, exploiting minimal checks on trains. Somesh was employed at the temple after Gopal Rao took charge in 2023.
A team of six officials visited Tinnu's ancestral home, located 1.5 km from the Ram Mandir in the Swargdwar area, where gold was recovered. Tinnu reportedly owns properties worth approximately ₹50 crore, including a hostel near Ayodhya airport with 70 rooms. Investigators may search the hostel next. Tinnu is currently being questioned at the PCF Passenger Facility Center within the temple premises.
Another employee, KD Tiwari, responsible for handling gold and silver offerings, is also under scrutiny. His home was raided, but findings remain undisclosed. Tiwari had previously stated his role was limited to weighing offerings and issuing receipts, with no involvement in subsequent processes.