Police question three accused in Ram Temple donation row, SIT set to visit Ayodhya before finalising report

Police Question Three Accused in Ram Temple Donation Row, SIT to Visit Ayodhya

Police question three accused in Ram Temple – Law enforcement authorities in Ayodhya have intensified their investigation into the Ram Temple donation controversy by interrogating three key accused individuals. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed to probe the allegations, is set to conduct its third visit to the city in the coming days, signaling a critical phase in finalizing its report for the state government. This development underscores the growing scrutiny on the donation management process tied to the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute.

The three suspects—Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey—were recently brought from district jail to the police headquarters for detailed questioning. Their interviews, alongside senior officers, aim to unravel their roles in the alleged embezzlement of funds. Meanwhile, investigative teams have launched searches in Milkipur and Inayatnagar, focusing on Anukalp Mishra’s family residence, where potential evidence linking them to the case may be found.

Investigative Process and Evidence Collection

As part of the probe, officials are meticulously reviewing a range of evidence, including CCTV footage, witness testimonies, attendance logs, and financial records. These documents are expected to clarify the accused’s involvement in the alleged misappropriation of donations. The investigation has already uncovered potential connections to other individuals, prompting officials to anticipate further raids and arrests as the inquiry deepens.

The SIT is also examining digital trails and property documents to trace how the alleged stolen funds were utilized. Investigators are determining whether the embezzled amounts were converted into movable assets or immovable properties, which could broaden the scope of the case beyond the initial three accused. This phase of the inquiry is crucial in building a comprehensive narrative about the donation allocation process.

While eight individuals have been arrested so far, the SIT remains open to adding more names if new evidence emerges. The case gained momentum in June when Samajwadi Party leader Tej Narayan Pandey accused the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust of siphoning donations worth between ₹5 crore and ₹7.5 crore. The trust, however, has yet to provide a detailed account of the alleged misuse, leaving the investigation in a state of flux.

Impact and Public Reaction

The ongoing inquiry has sparked public debate about transparency in the management of funds related to the Ram Temple construction. Citizens and political leaders are closely following the SIT’s findings, with many questioning the trust’s financial practices. The police claim to have recovered ₹79,85,493 from the accused, but the amount remains a fraction of the total disputed sum, fueling calls for a more thorough investigation.

As the SIT prepares to visit Ayodhya, the process of finalizing its report is expected to involve cross-verifying testimonies and financial data. The team’s next steps will likely determine whether the case escalates into a larger corruption scandal. With the focus on the three accused in the Ram Temple donation row, the investigation is poised to reveal deeper implications for the trust and its operations.