Avinash Shukla has been remanded for 24 hours in the Ram Temple donation case as Congress demands a Supreme Court-monitored
July 2, 2026: A court has granted a 24-hour police remand of accused Avinash Shukla in the alleged Ram Temple donation box theft case. Investigating Officer and Ayodhya Circle Officer Ashutosh Tripathi had sought a 48-hour remand, but the court approved custody for one day. Police said they recovered ₹20 lakh in cash, 1,121 US dollars and jewellery from Shukla, the largest recovery made among the eight accused arrested so far. Officials also claimed that important evidence was recovered during a search of his residence.
The case has taken a political turn, with the Congress writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanding a Supreme Court-monitored investigation. In his letter, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said the alleged theft had shaken public faith, arguing that since the Ram Temple Trust was constituted by the Central government, accountability for its administration rests with the Centre. He urged the Prime Minister to ensure a transparent and impartial probe into the alleged embezzlement of devotees’ donations.
Meanwhile, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President Alok Kumar said the alleged theft was deeply unfortunate but maintained that the VHP was not responsible for the temple’s administration. He said the organisation’s role ended after the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Ram Temple and that any action against former Trust General Secretary Champat Rai should await the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Kumar added that while Rai could be held accountable for possible negligence, no direct allegations had been made against him so far.