Ayodhya: The investigation into the alleged theft of donation offerings at the Ram Temple has gathered pace, with police recovering cash, jewellery and a car allegedly purchased using misappropriated funds. Investigators have also uncovered evidence suggesting that part of the money was invested in the stock market and that nearly one kilogram of donated gold was melted down.
Three accused—Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey—were taken into police custody on remand after obtaining court permission. Following nearly 40 hours of interrogation and recovery operations, they were sent back to judicial custody. Police have so far taken four accused on remand and are preparing to seek custody of two more suspects, identified as Tinnu and Manish.
During the remand period, investigators questioned the accused extensively at the police lines before taking them to the Ram Temple premises and other locations allegedly linked to the crime, including sites where the stolen money was reportedly divided among those involved.
Searches conducted at the residences of the accused led to significant recoveries. At Lavkush Mishra’s home in Thakuran Phagauli village under Rudauli police station limits, police recovered a gold locket engraved with his name, allegedly gifted to his wife, along with around ₹35,000 in cash.
At Anukalp Mishra’s residence in Kaushalpuri Colony, investigators recovered a gold chain, approximately ₹15,000 in cash, and a car allegedly purchased on May 16, 2025, in the name of his father, Ravindra Mishra. A separate police team recovered nearly ₹10,000 in cash from Karunesh Pandey’s rented accommodation near Naka Gandhi Ashram.
According to investigators, the jewellery recovered during the operation is estimated to be worth between ₹6 lakh and ₹8 lakh.
Stock Market Investments Under Investigation
Police said Anukalp Mishra and Lavkush Mishra disclosed during questioning that a portion of the allegedly stolen donation money had been invested in the stock market. Investigators have reportedly obtained investment records and are examining financial transactions to identify additional individuals who may have benefited from or assisted in the alleged diversion of funds.
One Kilogram of Gold Allegedly Melted Down
One of the most significant revelations during the investigation concerns temple jewellery received as donations. According to police sources, Anukalp Mishra allegedly admitted that around one kilogram of donated gold had been melted through a jewellery trader, with the proceeds allegedly used to acquire assets.
The disclosure has brought the jeweller under the scrutiny of investigating agencies. Police have also questioned Anukalp Mishra’s father and uncle as part of the ongoing probe.
Property Transactions Being Verified
Investigators are also examining documents related to Anukalp Mishra’s residential property in Kaushalpuri. Sources said the house was registered for approximately ₹30 lakh, while around ₹70 lakh was allegedly paid for its purchase. Police are verifying the source of funds, renovation expenses reportedly amounting to ₹5 lakh, and information regarding another plot of land allegedly owned by the accused.
Family Members Questioned
Police detained Lavkush Mishra’s wife for questioning after conducting a late-night search at his residence. His parents had already been questioned earlier in connection with the investigation.
VHP Leadership Monitoring Developments
Amid the ongoing investigation and administrative changes within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, senior leaders of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have intensified their engagement in Ayodhya.
VHP International General Secretary Bajrang Lal Bagda has been in Ayodhya for nearly a week and reportedly held a closed-door meeting with Trust Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri. According to sources, discussions focused on the trust’s functioning, administrative restructuring, and future strategy. Speculation is also rife over the appointment of a new General Secretary for the trust.
Senior VHP functionaries, including Joint General Secretary Koteshwar, Sudarshan, and Regional Organisation Minister Gajendra Singh, also attended a closed-door meeting at Karsevakpuram, where the Ram Temple issue and organisational strategy were reportedly discussed.
The investigation into the alleged donation theft remains ongoing, and police have indicated that further recoveries and arrests are possible as they continue to trace financial transactions and examine the roles of additional individuals. No court has yet determined the guilt or innocence of the accused, and the allegations remain under investigation.
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