Another scam linked to the Ram Mandir following the offerings? Tinnu raked in lakhs every month! The racket began right after the consecration ceremony

Amidst the case regarding the theft of offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, another development has come to light. It is alleged that Ramshankar Yadav, alias Tinnu, was running a racket worth lakhs by promising VIP darshan (priority viewing). This has been revealed during the SIT investigation.

According to sources, Ramshankar Yadav (alias Tinnu) operated a gang that extorted lakhs of rupees monthly by facilitating VIP darshan. The accused who were jailed were members of his gang, and the proceeds were divided daily. This racket began after the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony; the SIT investigation has uncovered these details, and the net may soon tighten around several other temple employees and outsiders involved in the scheme.

In reality, there are various arrangements for darshan at the Ram Mandir. General devotees stand in queues, a process that takes considerable time, whereas devotees arriving under VIP protocols gain entry within minutes. The Trust issues VIP passes for this purpose free of charge, yet this was precisely where the racket operated. Money was extorted from devotees by promising them easy access for a grand viewing experience.

A network spread through hotels and homestays

Sources claim that the accused individuals had established connections with dozens of hotels, homestays, and dharmashalas (pilgrim rest houses) in Ayodhya. Owners of these establishments would offer VIP darshan services to their guests. Typically, charges ranged from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per devotee.

It is alleged that if a devotee appeared financially well-off, the amount charged would be ₹2,000 or even higher. The hotel or homestay owners would then contact “Tinnu & Co.” and share the devotees’ details. Tinnu’s group would subsequently arrange the VIP passes and facilitate the darshan.

Passes prepared in minutes

According to sources, individuals such as Anukalp, Karunesh, Manish, Avinash, and Lavkush were responsible for bringing in devotees through these hotels and other accommodations, after which Tinnu would generate the passes. Although Tinnu did not have the authority to issue passes, he would generate them using the IDs of Champat, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao. Apart from these six individuals, several other staff members are involved in this entire scheme.

Chhotu: A Key Player Who Struck Gold on Special Occasions

According to sources, one name frequently comes up in discussions regarding the temple’s VIP route and gate: Chhotu. It is common knowledge there that anyone wishing to have a VIP darshan (viewing of the deity) should contact Chhotu to get it arranged immediately. This is because Chhotu has established connections with Tinnu and several others. He would facilitate the darshan in exchange for money, which was subsequently shared among the participants.