More alleged irregularities are surfacing in the investigation into the Ayodhya Ram Mandir trust scam. Investigators now suspect that, apart from the alleged misappropriation of donations, appointments to jobs at the temple may also have been made in exchange for bribes. According to officials, key accused Avinash Shukla, during questioning, reportedly disclosed that money was collected from candidates for recruitment to various posts in the temple. Following these revelations, police are preparing to question other trust-linked individuals. Around 125 people were recruited for different positions, and investigators believe some of these appointments may have involved illegal payments. However, police have not yet recovered appointment letters or formal employment agreements, making it difficult to trace the alleged transactions.

Investigators are now examining the bank accounts of employees appointed to the temple. Officials suspect that two other arrested accused, Anukalp Mishra and Lav Kush Mishra, may have played key roles in the recruitment irregularities. The probe has also found that those arrested in the donation theft case allegedly siphoned off large sums during the Maha Kumbh Mela held in January and February last year. As part of the investigation, Ayodhya police conducted fresh searches at the homes of the accused and seized a donation box labeled “Ramarajya Kosh”, which reportedly carried a Paytm QR code, from a yoga center. Police said Avinash Shukla had been living in a room at the center for nearly ten years. Investigators are also looking into the possible involvement of employees of State Bank of India and are reportedly considering a wider financial probe involving the Enforcement Directorate.

Note: These allegations are based on the ongoing investigation. No court has yet established criminal liability, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.