Property linked to Ram Mandir accused Lavkush Mishra faces demolition threat

The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has issued a notice on an under-construction property linked to Lavkush Mishra, one of the accused in the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case, over suspected violations of building norms, sources said.

The property is registered in the name of his wife, Supriya Mishra. According to sources, the authority has directed the owner to respond within a week and clarify whether they possess a duly approved building plan.

The civic body has asked the property owner to submit all relevant approval documents if the building map has been sanctioned. During an inspection, ADA officials allegedly found that the construction was not being carried out in accordance with prescribed building regulations.

Following the inspection, the authority served a notice on Supriya Mishra, warning that failure to respond within the stipulated period could invite further action, including demolition proceedings if the construction is found to be unauthorised.

According to documents accessed by India Today, the land was purchased on October 16, 2025, during Lavkush Mishra's tenure at the Ram Mandir office. The property, located in the Mangsi Pargana area of Sohawal tehsil in Ayodhya district, is registered in the name of his wife.

The sale deed shows that the piece of land was purchased from one Kamal Swaroop Singh for Rs 8.8 lakh. Its current market value is estimated at around Rs 25 lakh.

A two-storey house is being built on the plot, which measures 1,000 square feet. The structure is largely complete, with electrification work also underway.

Residents of the neighbourhood previously confirmed to India Today that the construction began in February last year. They said the Mishra family frequently visited the site during the initial stages of construction and even attended a bhoomi pujan ceremony held before the construction commenced.

Lavkush Mishra, 27, was a member of the staff who counted the offerings and cash at the Ayodhya Ram temple. He reportedly used to draw a monthly salary of only Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 while working with the Ram Mandir Trust.

Police have already arrested him and several others in connection with the case. On Wednesday, police conducted an extensive search at Lavkush's residence.

Sources, cited by news agency PTI, said that hisfather, Bachchu Lal Mishra, was taken into custody for questioning.

According to police sources cited PTI, cash recoveries made so far from the accused include Rs 14.25 lakh from Lavkush Mishra, Rs 20.39 lakh from Avinash Shukla, Rs 18.07 lakh from Karunesh Pandey, Rs 16.82 lakh from Anukalp Mishra, Rs 7.32 lakh from Ramashankar Mishra and Rs 1 lakh from Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu.

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(With inputs from PTI)