Ram Temple Donation Theft: Farmhouse, Scorpio SUV Among Assets Traced by Police

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation Theft: Police Probe Farmhouse, Luxury Home and SUV in Money Trail Investigation

The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has widened, with police scrutinising the finances and assets of one of the key accused, Anukalp Mishra, as they attempt to trace the suspected money trail behind the alleged theft.

Investigators are examining whether Anukalp’s recent rise in wealth—including the purchase of properties and other assets—was financed through the alleged diversion of devotees’ donations. Police suspect he played a central role in the alleged conspiracy while working as part of the outsourced team responsible for counting cash offerings at the temple.

Farmhouse, Rs 65 Lakh House Under Verification

According to investigators, Anukalp allegedly arranged for his brother-in-law, Lavkush Mishra, to join the temple’s cash-counting team through the outsourcing agency. Both are among the eight people arrested so far in the case.

As part of the probe, police visited Anukalp’s native Basawa village in Ayodhya district, where they found his residence noticeably more lavish than neighbouring homes. Local residents reportedly told investigators that the family’s financial condition had improved significantly over the past few years.

Police are now verifying claims that Anukalp recently constructed a farmhouse on the outskirts of the village, purchased a house in Ayodhya reportedly worth around Rs 65 lakh last year, and was in the process of buying a Mahindra Scorpio SUV.

Investigators are also examining the funding behind a seven-day religious programme allegedly organised by Anukalp in his village on April 30. The event was attended by several prominent personalities, including senior figures associated with the Ram Temple establishment and local public representatives. Police are verifying the expenditure incurred and the source of the funds used to organise the programme.

Financial Transactions Under Scanner

The financial investigation has also extended to Lavkush Mishra, who allegedly joined the donation-counting team on Anukalp’s recommendation.

Police are verifying claims that Lavkush recently purchased a motorcycle worth over Rs 1 lakh despite reportedly living in rented accommodation.

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

Investigators believe the exercise will help establish whether proceeds from the alleged theft were used to acquire assets or make investments. Police have indicated that more arrests are possible as the investigation progresses.

Eight Arrested So Far

The eight accused arrested in the case are Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, Manish Yadav, Subhash Srivastava, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey and Ramashankar Mishra.

According to investigators, Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu, is a close aide and former driver of Ram Temple Trust General Secretary Champat Rai. Manish Yadav is reportedly Tinnu’s nephew and was involved in counting donations.

Subhash Srivastava, a former bank employee, allegedly supervised the cash-counting process, while Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey and Ramashankar Mishra were all members of the outsourced team handling temple donations and valuables.

Police said the eight were arrested after an FIR was registered alleging the theft and misappropriation of cash and valuables donated by devotees. The investigation is ongoing, and officials say further arrests cannot be ruled out.