Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case: Accused Reveal Cash Distribution Spot; Bullion Trader Detained For Melting Stolen Gold

Jagran Correspondent, Ayodhya: The investigation into the theft of offerings at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya has intensified following confessions from the main accused. On Wednesday, Anukalp Mishra, Luvkush Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey revealed that the money stolen during the counting of donations was distributed in a garden near Bhikhapur, on the Lucknow-Gorakhpur National Highway.

ALSO READ: Ram Mandir Donation Row: Accused Began Stealing Cash Just 27 Days After Joining; Hiring Of Co-Accused Under Scanner

SIT Investigation Shifts Focus To Temple Management And Trustees

All three accused were questioned individually and later brought for a joint interrogation regarding the theft of offerings.

While the accused did not immediately disclose whose instructions they were acting under, temple trustees were reportedly already aware of the situation, Jagran.com reported. Despite this, neither was a proper search of the counting room ensured, nor were any measures taken to prevent the accused from stealing.

The accused stated that they operated with the support of Subhash Srivastava, the counting in-charge, and Ramshankar Yadav Tinnu, who was involved in the temple management. Furthermore, they claimed that even after their theft was initially detected, they were neither removed from the counting room nor subjected to any action.

Following a preliminary report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), the police investigation now appears to be implicating trustees Dr Anil Mishra and Champat Rai, and administrator Gopal Rao. According to the report, the police have already verified details from them.

After approximately four hours of questioning, the police took the three accused to Bhikhapur to verify the garden where accused Avinash Shukla had previously stated the stolen money was distributed. Circle Officer Ashutosh Tiwari stated that the interrogation is ongoing and efforts are underway to reconcile new facts with previous details.

ALSO READ: Ram Temple Donation Theft Case: Why Was SOP For Counting Room Relaxed In February 2025? Inside Story

Anukalp's Relatives And Bullion Trader Detained For Questioning

The police team investigating the theft of offerings at Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya detained the uncle of accused Anukalp Mishra, Ramendra Mishra, along with Inayatnagar market bullion trader Vijay Kumar Kaushal on Wednesday. While they were initially picked up by the cyber cell on Tuesday, the two were taken into custody by crime branch officers in civilian clothes. Anukalp's father, Ravindra Mishra, was also called to the police lines, where all three were questioned in front of Anukalp.

The report further revealed that Anukalp had given approximately 900 grams of stolen gold to Kaushal, who subsequently melted it down. Investigators are still investigating the financial transaction and tracking related properties.