Ram Temple Donation Theft Case: Police Track Farmhouse, SUV and Rs 65 Lakh House

Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft: Police Trace Alleged Money Trail to Farmhouse, Rs 65 Lakh House

The investigation into the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has taken a new turn, with police tracking the financial assets of the accused to determine whether devotees’ offerings were diverted to fund high-value purchases.

Investigators are focusing on Anukalp Mishra, one of the eight arrested in the case, whose assets and financial transactions are under scrutiny as police attempt to establish the alleged money trail behind the embezzlement.

Assets Under Investigation

According to police sources, Anukalp was part of the outsourced team responsible for counting cash donations at the temple and is suspected to have played a key role in the alleged conspiracy.

Investigators have also alleged that he facilitated the appointment of his brother-in-law, Lavkush Mishra, to the same cash-counting team through the outsourcing agency. Both are among the eight people arrested in the case.

As part of the probe, police visited Anukalp’s native Basawa village in Ayodhya district. Officials found that his residence appeared significantly more expensive than neighbouring homes, while villagers reportedly told investigators that the family’s financial condition had improved dramatically in recent years.

Police are verifying claims that Anukalp recently built a farmhouse on the outskirts of the village, purchased a house in Ayodhya worth around Rs 65 lakh and was planning to buy a Mahindra Scorpio SUV. Investigators are examining whether these assets were acquired using money allegedly siphoned from temple donations.

Religious Event Also Under Scanner

Investigators are also probing a seven-day religious programme allegedly organised by Anukalp in his village on April 30.

The event reportedly drew several prominent guests, including senior figures associated with the Ram Temple establishment and local public representatives. Police are now verifying the expenditure incurred and the source of the funds used to organise the programme.

Bank Accounts, Properties Being Examined

The financial probe has expanded to include Lavkush Mishra, who allegedly joined the donation-counting team on Anukalp’s recommendation. Police are verifying reports that Lavkush recently purchased a motorcycle worth more than Rs 1 lakh despite reportedly living in rented accommodation.

Officials are examining the bank accounts, property documents, investments, movable and immovable assets and spending patterns of all eight accused to determine whether their wealth is disproportionate to their known sources of income.

Investigators believe the financial audit will help establish whether proceeds from the alleged theft were converted into personal assets. Police have indicated that additional arrests remain possible as the investigation progresses.

Eight Accused Arrested

Those arrested so far include Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, Manish Yadav, Subhash Srivastava, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey and Ramashankar Mishra. According to investigators, Tinnu Yadav is a close aide and former driver of Ram Temple Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, while Manish Yadav is his nephew and allegedly participated in counting donations.

Subhash Srivastava, a former bank employee, allegedly supervised the counting process, while the remaining accused were members of the outsourced team responsible for handling cash and valuables donated by devotees.

Police said the arrests were made after an FIR was registered alleging the theft and misappropriation of temple donations. The investigation is continuing, with officials saying more people could be questioned or arrested as fresh evidence emerges.