The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is expanding its probe into former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust member Anil Mishra following the discovery of five key findings linking him to the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya temple. Police have arrested three suspects—Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey—after securing their remand from a local court on Wednesday.
Key Findings in the Ram Mandir Donation Scam
Investigators have uncovered a forged receipt book resembling the Trust’s earlier donation receipts, complete with its logo, which the accused allegedly used to collect money from devotees. The group reportedly halted the scheme after the Trust adopted an online receipt system. Additionally, a donation box labeled “Ramrajya Kosh” with an active QR code for digital payments was recovered from a yoga center in Ayodhya, where prime accused Avinash Shukla had been staying.
Police suspect stolen cash was counted and distributed in the Jaura area along the 14-kosi parikrama route. Searches were conducted in Ayodhya’s Milkipur area, including premises linked to Anukalp Mishra’s relatives, a jewellery trader, and a building material dealer.
SIT Expands Investigation into Trust Finances
The SIT is now scrutinizing bills and vouchers related to major expenditures of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust as part of its widening probe. Anil Mishra, who resigned from the Trust in late June citing moral grounds, has not been officially named as an accused, but sources indicate he remains under suspicion.
Authorities are also examining whether properties and goods allegedly purchased by the accused were paid for in cash or through digital transactions. The investigation continues as police gather further evidence in the Ayodhya temple fraud case.
