An Ayodhya court has reserved its decision regarding a police plea for seven-day custody of three individuals involved in the alleged embezzlement of donations intended for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The three accused—Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey—are currently in custody. The police argued that interrogating these individuals while in their custody is essential for the advancement of the ongoing investigation.

The Investigating Officer (IO) presented the case before the court, emphasising the necessity for custodial questioning to gain substantial insights and progress the probe effectively. This action comes after the police conducted interrogations of five other accused individuals within the jail on the preceding Sunday, which led to the filing of the custody request based on the information gathered during those sessions.

Special Investigation Team Findings

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has submitted a preliminary report to the Uttar Pradesh government, indicating prima facie evidence of theft and pilferage regarding the temple’s donation counting process. This comprehensive inquiry reviewed various elements, including CCTV footage, testimonies from trust officials, bank employees, security personnel, and counting staff, in addition to pertinent bank records and seizure documents.

According to the SIT findings, CCTV footage from April 27 to June 5 captures numerous instances of counting personnel concealing bundles of currency notes and cash in their clothing and other hidden compartments. The report further documents scenarios where other staff members appeared to assist in these illicit activities.

The SIT identified around 70 such incidents of theft or pilferage occurring during the specified timeframe. The report also suggests that similar thefts may have transpired prior to April 27; however, the absence of older CCTV records limits the ability to ascertain their actual extent. It highlights deficiencies in implementing required security protocols, including frisking procedures, biometric attendance, and CCTV monitoring as outlined in the trust’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Identified Accused and Trust Developments

The SIT’s report identifies multiple individuals as having prima facie involvement in the alleged embezzlement. Specifically, Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, and Ramashankar Mishra are named. The investigation notes that Avinash Shukla and Manish Kumar Yadav were observed on multiple occasions removing or hiding cash, while the others were implicated as accomplices or participants in similar actions.

In related news, the Treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, has confirmed that during a recent Trust meeting, the resignations of Champat Rai as General Secretary and trustee Anil Mishra have been accepted. This development follows the scrutiny surrounding the management of donations and the allegations of financial misconduct within the Trust.

The ongoing legal proceedings and investigation into the Ram Temple donation case continue to garner significant public attention, reflecting broader concerns regarding the management and integrity of funds raised for religious and cultural purposes in India.

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