jagran Correspondent | Ayodhya: In the latest developments in the Ram Mandir donation theft case, the SIT found out that individuals connected to the scam experienced a sudden upgrade in their lifestyle shortly after joining the trust's operation. While some purchased expensive land, the others bought new vehicles and houses in posh localities. The accused, taking advantage of their roles in the temple's cash-counting unit, also appointed their relatives to the team without following proper procedures.
What Did Probe Unveil?
A Basavan village resident in Milkipur, identified as Anukalp Mishra, who initially struggled to make his ends meet, suddenly gained wealth shortly after emerging as a member of the Ram Mandir's management committee.
Illegal Appointments, Land Purchases
The accused even purchased a flat in an apartment in Noida and a plot of land in front of BBD College in Lucknow for a relative, Anukul's aunt Neha Mishra told Jagran. Mishra then purchased folk singer Diwakar Dwivedi's Kaushalpuri residence for approximately 6.2 crore rupees and moved in with his family. His brother-in-law, Lavkush Mishra, a resident of Phagouli Thakuran in Rudauli, was previously a simple car mechanic.
About six months ago, when Anukul's father, Ravindra Mishra Ravi, appointed his son-in-law, Lavkush, as an employee of the trust, Anukul lobbied to have him included in the cash calculations. This was the time when he started emerging. He bought a plot in Ayodhya and began building a house. Although his father, Bachchulal Mishra, denies this and claims to have purchased the land by mortgaging his farm, the question of the recovery of Rs. 10 lakh in cash from his house remains unanswered.
Similarly, Ramshankar Yadav Tinnu, a resident of the Swargadwar neighborhood of Ayodhyadham, became involved in the temple's management after being associated with the VHP. His proximity to the trust's general secretary benefited him. He even had unfettered access to the cash counting area.
During the SIT's inquiry, it was revealed that the keys of the donation box were found in his possession. A few months ago, Tinnu appointed his nephew, Manish Yadav, as an employee of the trust but also included him in the cash-counting. Both have been arrested.
Tinnu Yadav's wife, Poonam Yadav, still maintains her husband's innocence and accuses him of conspiracy to frame her. Another accused, Avinash Shukla, is also reported to have purchased a plot of land in Ayodhya, but he lived in a rented room at the checkpoint.