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Investigators have found that brothers-in-law Lav Kush Mishra and Anukalp Mishra allegedly stole the largest share of the money from Ram Temple donation fund.
Ram Mandir Theft Probe Uncovers Biggest Cash Heist During Kumbh Mela.
The investigation into the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has taken a significant turn, with police claiming that the largest amount of cash was stolen during the Kumbh Mela in early 2025.
According to the Ayodhya Police, some of the accused were involved in petty thefts even before the Kumbh. However, the huge increase in offerings and donations during the religious gathering provided them with an opportunity to carry out a much larger theft.
Police said the accused acted together and executed the alleged conspiracy by taking advantage of the surge in cash donations received at the temple.
So far, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested eight people in connection with the case. They have been identified as Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ramshankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav.
The accused were questioned for several hours by the SIT on Tuesday. Police said all eight were involved in planning and carrying out the alleged conspiracy.
Brother-in-law duo under scanner
Investigators have found that brothers-in-law Lav Kush Mishra and Anukalp Mishra allegedly stole the largest share of the money. According to the police, the two also purchased properties using the stolen cash. More than half a dozen properties linked to them have so far been traced.
Ayodhya Police is now taking assistance from the Income Tax Department to examine the financial transactions and assets of the accused.
The investigation has also brought the role of some employees of the State Bank of India (SBI) under scrutiny. Police will write to the Enforcement Directorate seeking a detailed probe into the money trail and financial transactions.
The counting of cash donations at the Ram Temple is authorised by SBI, which has appointed a private agency for the work. Donations are collected through four donation boxes and counted by a 14-member team comprising 11 bank employees and three members of the temple trust.
Cash hidden inside blankets
Police said the biggest recovery of cash was made from the Kaushalpuri hideout of accused Avinash Shukla.
The premises, as per reports, is a yoga centre linked to Shukla’s brother, Abhishek. Seema Tiwari, who runs the yoga centre, said police raided the premises on June 5 and recovered a large amount of cash.
According to her, four boxes belonging to Abhishek had been kept at the yoga centre. The cash was hidden inside blankets placed in the boxes. One of the boxes reportedly had “Ram Rajya Kosh” written on it.
Seema Tiwari said that when Abhishek was questioned about the raid and the recovered money, he claimed that his brother Avinash Shukla was involved in the drug trade and that this was the reason behind the police action.
Money trail under investigation
Three days ago, Ayodhya Police searched the homes of all the accused as part of the investigation. During the searches, cash was recovered from the residence of Tinnu Yadav, who had worked as the driver of former Trust general secretary Champat Rai.
Sources said the investigation found that Tinnu Yadav possessed one key to the donation counting room, while the second key remained with bank staff. The stolen money was allegedly siphoned off through collusion with bank employees, with both sides sharing the proceeds.
Police collected banking documents and details of movable and immovable assets from the homes of all the accused.
The investigation also found that transactions in the bank accounts of the accused were significantly higher than their known sources of income. A review of their accounts over the past year revealed transactions involving amounts far exceeding their earnings.
Police said the highest recovery of cash, Rs 89 lakh, was made based on information provided by accused Avinash Shukla. The money had been recovered by the temple trust before the FIR in the case was registered.
About the Author
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen…Read More
Ayodhya, India, India
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