Police in Ayodhya have carried out fresh raids and made further recoveries in connection with the theft of donations from the Ram temple. The investigation intensified as authorities searched the residence of the prime accused, Lavkush Mishra.
Raids at Accused's Residence
On Tuesday, a police team conducted an extensive search at Mishra's home, combing through stacks of dry fodder and other areas. The operation yielded additional evidence linked to the missing funds, which were collected as offerings from devotees at the temple.
Details of the Theft
The case involves the alleged misappropriation of donations meant for the Ram temple construction. According to police sources, the stolen amount is estimated to be in the lakhs. The temple trust had reported discrepancies in the donation records, prompting a probe.
“We have recovered incriminating materials from the accused's premises,” a senior police officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests cannot be ruled out.”
Previous Actions
Earlier this week, police had arrested Lavkush Mishra and seized a substantial sum of cash from his possession. The fresh raids follow leads obtained during his interrogation. Officials stated that the accused had been siphoning off funds over several months.
Impact on Temple Trust
The Ram temple trust has welcomed the police action and expressed confidence in the judicial process. A trust spokesperson said, “We are cooperating fully with the authorities to ensure that all stolen money is recovered and the guilty are punished.”
The case has drawn attention due to the temple's significance in Ayodhya, where the grand Ram temple is under construction. Devotees across the country have contributed generously to the project.
