India
oi-Swastika Sruti
Chilling details in the Ram Temple donation theft case reveal fresh details about two close relatives who are among the eight people arrested in the case.
In the Ram Temple donation theft case, Anukalp Mishra and his brother-in-law Lavkush Mishra are investigated for alleged embezzlement. Police examine suspicious financial changes, purchases like a ₹65 lakh Ayodhya house and a ₹1 lakh motorcycle, and funds from an April religious event.
According to the investigation, Anukalp Mishra and his brother-in-law Lavkush Mishra are suspected of playing key roles in the alleged embezzlement of cash collected from the temple’s donation boxes. Police are now examining their financial records, recent purchases and assets to trace the alleged money trail.
Two Family Members Under Investigation
Investigators believe Anukalp Mishra was part of the team responsible for counting donations received at the Ram Temple.
Police sources alleged that Anukalp later helped his brother-in-law, Lavkush Mishra, secure a position in the same donation-counting team through an outsourcing agency.
Authorities suspect the two worked together as part of the alleged racket, though the allegations are currently under investigation and have not yet been proven in court.
Sudden Change in Lifestyle Raises Questions
During the investigation, officials visited Basava village in Ayodhya, where Anukalp Mishra’s family resides. Residents claimed that the family’s financial condition had changed dramatically over the past few years.
According to villagers, the Mishra family’s house is now among the most impressive properties in the area. Some neighbours alleged that the family had previously faced financial difficulties but had recently begun living a much more comfortable lifestyle.
Police are verifying these claims as part of their financial investigation.
Grand Religious Event Comes Under Scanner
Investigators are also examining a seven-day religious programme reportedly organised by Anukalp Mishra in April this year.
According to his grandfather, Rajendra Prasad Mishra, the event featured a well-known religious preacher and attracted several prominent guests.
Photographs from the programme reportedly show former Ram Temple Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, the Ayodhya Mayor and other local public representatives in attendance.
Police are examining the source of funds used to organise the event as part of the broader investigation.
Property and Vehicle Purchases Being Verified
According to local residents, Anukalp Mishra had recently built a farmhouse on the outskirts of his village. Police are also verifying reports that he purchased a house in Ayodhya last year, which is now estimated to be worth around ₹65 lakh.
Neighbours further claimed that he already owned a vehicle and was planning to purchase a Mahindra Scorpio SUV. Similarly, investigators are examining the financial records of Lavkush Mishra, who reportedly lives in a rented house and is said to have recently bought a motorcycle valued at more than ₹1 lakh.
Officials are verifying whether these purchases match the declared sources of income of the accused.
Police Tracing the Money Trail
Investigators are examining bank records, property documents and financial transactions of all eight accused to determine whether any assets were acquired using funds allegedly misappropriated from temple donations.
The probe is expected to focus on identifying the movement of money, ownership of assets and possible links between the accused.
