Fresh recoveries in Ram Mandir Fund misuse probe.

Cash, gold jewellery, car and documents were seized during custodial interrogation

Ayodhya Police on Thursday reported fresh recoveries in the ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations meant for the Ram Mandir. During the second day of custodial interrogation of three prime accused, officers seized ₹45,000 in cash, gold ornaments, a vehicle, a high-end mobile phone, and land-related documents.

The three men under scrutiny-Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra, and Karunesh Pandeyare among eight individuals arrested on June 26 in connection with the misappropriation case. They are currently in 40-hour police custody, during which investigators have been conducting searches at premises linked to them.

Officials revealed that ₹35,000 in cash and a gold locket inscribed with Lavkush Mishra’s name, allegedly purchased for his wife, were recovered from locations tied to him. At properties linked to Anukalp Mishra, who is the brother of Lavkush’s wife, police found a gold necklace, a car, and a premium mobile phone. Investigators suspect these assets may have been acquired using funds diverted from temple donations, though verification of their source is still underway.

Meanwhile, searches connected to Karunesh Pandey led to the recovery of ₹10,000 in cash along with financial records and documents. These materials have been sent for forensic examination to establish whether they are linked to the alleged fraud.

The investigation has intensified following public outrage over the misuse of contributions meant for the construction and upkeep of the Ram temple. Police sources indicated that the custodial interrogation is aimed at tracing the money trail and identifying how donations were diverted into personal assets.

In a parallel development, the Ram temple administration has deactivated the digital IDs of three former officialsChampat Rai, the trust’s ex-general secretary; Anil Mishra, a former trustee; and Gopal Rao, the temple’s former administrator. These IDs, which were previously used to issue darshan passes, can no longer be accessed.

The case has drawn widespread attention, with prominent voices demanding strict accountability. Actor Anupam Kher recently commented that those responsible for siphoning temple funds must face justice. The police, for their part, continue to piece together evidence to build a stronger case against the accused.

As the probe progresses, authorities remain focused on uncovering the full extent of the embezzlement and ensuring that donations made in faith are safeguarded.