Farmhouse, Scorpio, Rs 65 Lakh House: Police Trace Accused’s Money Trail In Ram Temple Donation Theft Case

Last Updated:June 29, 2026, 11:00 IST

The eight people arrested in the case are Ram Shankar Yadav, Manish Yadav, Subhash Srivastava, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation Theft: The investigation into the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations has expanded, with police now examining the assets and financial transactions of Anukalp Mishra, who investigators suspect was one of the key conspirators in the alleged theft of devotees’ offerings.

Officials are trying to establish whether Anukalp’s reported rise in wealth and recent purchases were funded through the alleged diversion of temple donations. The financial probe is aimed at tracing the suspected money trail linked to the accused.

According to police sources, Anukalp was part of the outsourced team responsible for counting cash donations at the temple and allegedly played a central role in the conspiracy.

Farmhouse, house and SUV being verified

Investigators have also alleged that Anukalp arranged for his brother-in-law, Lavkush Mishra, to join the same cash-counting team through the outsourcing agency. Both are among the eight people arrested so far in the case.

As part of the investigation, police visited Anukalp’s native Basawa village in Ayodhya district. Officials found that his house appeared significantly more lavish than neighbouring properties. Residents told investigators that the family’s financial condition had improved considerably over the past few years.

Police are verifying claims that Anukalp recently built a farmhouse on the outskirts of the village and purchased a house in Ayodhya last year, reportedly worth around Rs 65 lakh. Investigators are also examining claims that he was in the process of purchasing a Mahindra Scorpio SUV.

The probe has also focused on a seven-day religious programme allegedly organised by Anukalp in his village on April 30. Police are verifying the expenditure on the event and the source of the funds used after several prominent personalities, including senior figures associated with the Ram Temple establishment and local public representatives, attended the programme.

Financial records under scrutiny

Investigators are carrying out a similar financial examination of Lavkush Mishra, who allegedly joined the temple donation counting team on Anukalp’s recommendation.

Police are verifying claims that Lavkush recently purchased a motorcycle worth more than Rs 1 lakh despite reportedly living in rented accommodation.

Officials said the bank accounts, property records, investments, assets and spending patterns of all eight arrested accused are now being examined to determine whether they are disproportionate to their known sources of income.

Investigators said the exercise forms part of a wider effort to establish whether proceeds from the alleged donation theft were invested in movable or immovable assets. Police indicated that more arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.

Eight accused arrested so far

The eight people arrested in the case are Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, Manish Yadav, Subhash Srivastava, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey and Ramashankar Mishra.

According to investigators, Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu, is a close aide and former driver of Ram Temple Trust General Secretary Champat Rai. Manish Yadav is reported to be Tinnu’s nephew and was involved in donation counting.

Subhash Srivastava is a former bank employee who supervised cash counting, while Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey and Ramashankar Mishra were all part of the team handling temple donations and valuables.

Police said the eight were arrested after an FIR was registered over the alleged theft and misappropriation of Ram Temple donations, including cash and valuables. Investigators said the probe is continuing and further arrests remain a possibility.

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