Ayodhya, July 9 -- The investigation into the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has uncovered a suspected network of financial transactions in which stolen money was allegedly invested in the stock market, lent on interest and routed through the bank accounts of relatives and close associates to hide its source, according to police sources. Investigators said bank transaction records have supported this pattern of fund transfers. Police have frozen 30 bank accounts linked to relatives of the accused and are examining the financial trail to determine the extent of the alleged money laundering and identify everyone who benefited.
Three accused, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey, are on police remand after being brought from the district jail on Wednesday following court permission. During questioning, they allegedly admitted to the theft and shared details of how the operation was carried out. Police said further recoveries of cash and jewellery are expected based on information provided by the accused. According to investigators, prime accused Anukalp Mishra told police that he and co-accused Avinash Shukla invested part of the stolen money in the stock market and also lent money to people on interest. Police sources said the accused allegedly transferred money to relatives and acquaintances before having it sent back to their own accounts to disguise its origin.
Searches have continued at the residences of the accused. On Thursday morning, police took Anukalp Mishra to his house, searched the premises for about 20 minutes and questioned his family members. Similar searches were conducted at the homes of Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey on Wednesday. During these operations, police recovered bundles of cash, gold jewellery, including earrings and lockets, and a car. Authorities have not disclosed the amount of cash seized or from which residence the recoveries were made.
Police also recovered documents relating to the purchase of one acre of land in Anukalp Mishra's name. The papers show the land was bought for about Rs 6.7 lakh, although investigators believe its current market value is much higher. The source of funds used for the purchase, along with the acquisition of a car, is under scrutiny.
Investigators also alleged that fake donation receipts were printed and used to collect money from devotees, with the cash allegedly kept instead of being deposited. During the probe, police revisited an orchard on the 14 Kosi Parikrama route where the accused allegedly divided the stolen money and verified their statements against earlier disclosures.
The controversy surfaced in early June after alleged irregularities were found in the counting of temple donations. The Uttar Pradesh government formed a Special Investigation Team on the recommendation of the temple trust. After finding prima facie evidence of embezzlement, the SIT led to the registration of an FIR and the arrest of eight people associated with donation counting.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.