Ayodhya Court Grants One-Day Police Remand in Ram Temple Donation Embezzlement Case; SIT Finds 70 Alleged Theft Incidents
admin 
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: The Ram Temple donation embezzlement case has taken a significant turn after an Ayodhya court granted one-day police custody of three accused for further interrogation. The decision comes as investigators continue probing allegations of theft and misappropriation of donations collected at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
The three accused—Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey—were produced before the court after police sought a seven-day custodial remand. However, the court approved only a one-day police remand to facilitate further questioning in the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case.
The development follows the submission of a preliminary report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which reportedly found prima facie evidence of theft and pilferage during the counting of temple donations. The findings have intensified public attention on the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case, which involves one of India’s most prominent religious institutions.
Court Approves One-Day Police Remand
During the hearing, the Investigating Officer (IO) informed the court that custodial interrogation of the three accused was essential to uncover the full extent of the alleged financial irregularities. According to the police, the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case involves multiple individuals and requires detailed questioning to establish the sequence of events and identify the roles played by each accused.
The police had originally requested a seven-day remand, arguing that fresh information obtained during earlier questioning warranted further investigation. After considering the submissions, the court granted one-day police custody.
Officials believe that this phase of interrogation may provide crucial leads regarding the alleged diversion and theft of temple donations.
Earlier Jail Interrogation Led to Fresh Developments
Before seeking police remand, investigators questioned five accused inside the jail on Sunday. According to officials, several important inputs emerged during that questioning, prompting police to move the court for custody of three individuals.
The fresh interrogation is expected to help investigators verify statements, identify additional evidence, and examine the alleged network involved in the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case.
Authorities are also reviewing financial transactions and cross-checking witness testimonies with documentary evidence collected during the investigation.
SIT Preliminary Report Reveals Serious Findings
One of the biggest developments in the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case is the preliminary report submitted by the Special Investigation Team to the Uttar Pradesh government.
According to the report, investigators found prima facie evidence suggesting repeated theft and pilferage during the counting of donations received at the temple.
The SIT examined multiple sources of evidence, including:
- CCTV footage
- Statements of Trust officials
- Bank officials’ testimonies
- Security personnel statements
- Counting staff interviews
- Bank records
- Seizure documents
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Officials stated that the evidence collectively indicates serious procedural lapses and alleged financial misconduct.
CCTV Footage Captures Multiple Alleged Theft Incidents
A major piece of evidence in the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case is CCTV footage reviewed by investigators.
The footage, reportedly covering the period between April 27 and June 5, allegedly shows some counting personnel hiding bundles of currency notes and loose cash inside their clothes, pockets, shoes, and other concealed locations.
Investigators also observed instances where other staff members allegedly assisted or shielded such activities.
According to the SIT, approximately 70 separate instances of alleged theft or pilferage were identified during the review period.
The report further suggests that similar incidents may have occurred before April 27. However, due to the absence of older CCTV footage, investigators could not determine the complete extent of the alleged irregularities.
These findings have made the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case one of the most closely watched financial investigations involving a religious institution in recent years.
Security Measures Were Allegedly Not Properly Implemented
The SIT report also highlighted significant shortcomings in security arrangements.
According to investigators, several mandatory safeguards outlined under the Trust’s Standard Operating Procedures were either ignored or inadequately enforced.
The report mentions lapses involving:
- Biometric attendance
- Employee frisking
- Restrictions on carrying personal belongings
- CCTV monitoring
- Security supervision
- Donation counting protocols
Officials believe that these weaknesses may have created opportunities for the alleged thefts.
The investigation is also examining whether administrative negligence contributed to the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case.
Six Individuals Named in Preliminary Findings
Based on CCTV footage, financial records, recovery documents, and witness statements, the SIT identified six individuals as having prima facie involvement in the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case.
The names mentioned in the preliminary report include:
- Avinash Shukla
- Anukalp Mishra
- Lavkush Mishra
- Manish Kumar Yadav
- Karunesh Pandey
- Ramashankar Mishra
According to investigators, Avinash Shukla and Manish Kumar Yadav were allegedly seen repeatedly removing or concealing cash during donation counting operations.
The remaining accused were reportedly observed assisting or participating in similar activities, although the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have clarified that the findings are part of the preliminary investigation, and the legal process will determine individual responsibility based on evidence presented before the court.
Trust Accepts Resignations of Senior Office Bearers
Amid growing scrutiny surrounding the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has announced important administrative changes.
Trust Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj confirmed that the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra were accepted during a Trust meeting.
While the Trust has not publicly linked these resignations directly to the ongoing investigation, the development has attracted widespread public attention.
Officials have stated that the Trust remains committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and cooperation with investigating agencies.
Investigation Continues
Police officials say the investigation into the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case is far from complete.
The one-day police remand is expected to help investigators:
- Verify statements made by the accused.
- Trace the movement of allegedly stolen cash.
- Identify additional individuals, if any.
- Examine digital and financial evidence.
- Strengthen the prosecution’s case through corroborative material.
Investigators are also expected to continue examining CCTV footage, banking records, forensic evidence, and witness testimonies as the probe progresses.
The outcome of the ongoing investigation could have significant implications for the administration of temple donation systems and security protocols across major religious institutions in India.
The Ram Temple donation embezzlement case has entered a critical stage with the Ayodhya court granting one-day police custody of three accused and the SIT reporting prima facie evidence of repeated theft during donation counting. With around 70 alleged incidents captured in CCTV footage and multiple individuals named in the preliminary report, investigators are intensifying efforts to establish accountability.
As the legal process continues, authorities are expected to conduct further interrogations, analyze financial records, and verify evidence before filing additional reports. The investigation remains ongoing, and all allegations will ultimately be subject to judicial scrutiny.
About The Author
