Probe into donation theft at Ayodhya Ram Mandir intensifies; Rs 10 lakh recovered from employee's home
The controversy surrounding the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir has taken a new turn, with fresh details emerging during the investigation. According to sources, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has requested Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to have the matter investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Investigators achieved a major breakthrough when Rs 10 lakh in cash was recovered from the home of temple employee Lavkush Mishra (27). Sources revealed that some of the money was hidden in a box, while a portion of the cash was buried in a heap of cow dung. However, officials have not yet confirmed whether the recovered amount is linked to the theft of temple donations.
Lavkush was responsible for counting donations
Lavkush, a resident of Minapur Thakuran village in Ayodhya's Rudauli area, was responsible for counting donations received at the temple. Sources claim he secured the job through his father-in-law, while his brother-in-law (wife's brother), Anukalp Mishra, was already employed there. Investigators are currently questioning both men.
Lavkush recently purchased a plot of land worth Rs 40 lakh
Lavkush recently purchased a plot of land worth Rs 40 lakh in Ramnagari and is currently constructing a house on it.
Another employee under surveillance, had purchased land worth Rs 1.5 crore
Sources revealed that a man named Tiwari, who serves in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Mandir, is under surveillance and has been questioned. He had been entrusted with the responsibility of collecting gold and silver ornaments offered by devotees during the Mahakumbh. He, too, purchased land worth Rs 1.5 crore a few months ago. This has raised questions about how he managed to buy such an expensive plot, given that he receives a monthly remuneration of only around Rs 18,000 to 20,000 from the Trust.
Lavkush's father confirmed recovery of cash
Speaking to local media, Lavkush's father, Bachchulal, confirmed that the cash was recovered during a search of their home. He stated that his son had been working at the Ram Mandir for the past four to five months. Bachchulal also clarified that the family home in Faizabad was built by mortgaging agricultural land and had no connection to his son's employment.
What villagers claimed?
Meanwhile, villagers claim that Lavkush's financial situation had improved significantly after he began working at the temple. The investigation into the alleged misappropriation of temple donations is ongoing, and investigators are currently examining the recovered cash and other evidence.