Lucknow: Police investigating the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple have uncovered fresh financial leads after accused Avinash Shukla allegedly disclosed during his custodial interrogation the details of an additional expenditure of Rs 19 lakh on his family and friends.According to sources, Avinash was taken out of jail on custody remand, during which he was extensively questioned at the Reserve Police Lines in Ayodhya.During interrogation, he allegedly revealed that a substantial portion of the money was distributed among family members, friends and spent on personal purchases.Investigators have learnt that Avinash allegedly gave around Rs 6 lakh for wedding celebrations of one of his brothers and gave Rs 5-6 lakh to another brother. Police also found that he purchased a car worth approximately Rs 3.5 lakh, which has already been recovered.Sources claimed that Avinash transferred around Rs 2.5 lakh to a friend and also gifted the same person an expensive mobile phone. Interrogation has reportedly revealed that smaller amounts were also distributed among several other individuals.Police have questioned two of Avinash’s brothers and seized documents related to the investigation. Officials are examining land purchased in 2024 in the name of his brother Abhishek Shukla and scrutinising bank accounts that allegedly received transferred funds. Legal proceedings have been initiated to recover the money routed to different individuals.A total of Rs 20.39 lakh in cash, 1,121 US dollars, gold jewellery, silver ornaments and other valuables, along with an SUV, were also recovered from Shukla’s possession.Sources said Abhishek had once questioned co-accused Anukalp Mishra about the source of the money, but Anukalp allegedly gave an evasive reply and warned him not to pursue the matter further.
