The investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has entered a crucial phase, with authorities expanding the scope of the probe beyond the eight people already arrested. Investigators are now examining the possible involvement of bank officials, temple employees and several other individuals connected to the donation counting process, while administrative action has also begun against officials linked to the case.
The latest developments come after the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which prompted fresh action by both the police and the temple administration.
Long-Serving Temple Official Shifted After SIT Findings
In a significant administrative move, Radio Maintenance Officer (RMO) Arjun Dev, who had been posted in Ayodhya since 2009, has been transferred to Gorakhpur after nearly 17 years of service in the temple town.
According to officials, Arjun Dev was responsible for monitoring the CCTV surveillance system covering the donation counting room and nearly 1,600 CCTV cameras installed across the Ram Temple complex. He also supervised the wireless communication network inside the temple premises.
Sources associated with the investigation said the SIT report raised questions about his role, claiming he handled responsibilities beyond his official assignment, including arrangements related to VVIP visits and other administrative functions within the temple.
Investigators are also examining allegations that his close association with certain office-bearers of the temple trust helped prevent his transfer on several occasions despite repeated transfer orders over the years.
Probe Expands Beyond Eight Arrested Accused
While eight accused have already been arrested in connection with the case, investigators believe the alleged irregularities may involve a much larger network.
According to sources, nearly 70 to 80 people have now come under the scanner. Police have reportedly issued notices to several individuals who may have had direct or indirect involvement in the donation handling process. These people are expected to be questioned as investigators attempt to trace the entire chain of events.
Officials said the investigation is no longer limited to the arrested individuals and is exploring every possible link connected to the alleged theft.
Bank Officials Also Under Investigation
The investigation has now extended to banks associated with the Ram Temple Trust’s donation management system.
Police have issued notices to around six banks, including the State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda, and Canara Bank, seeking detailed information about employees who supervised the counting of temple donations.
Investigators are also examining the role of two bank officials, Ratnesh Chaturvedi and Gagandeep, who were reportedly assigned to oversee the cash-counting process.
Authorities have additionally sought financial records relating to temple trust employees and certain individuals associated with them to determine whether there were any suspicious financial transactions.
Mobile Phones Sent for Forensic Analysis
Police suspect that some of the accused may have attempted to destroy digital evidence after the alleged offence.
Investigators believe WhatsApp chats and other electronic records may have been deleted from their mobile phones. To recover any missing data, all eight seized mobile phones will undergo forensic examination.
Officials hope the digital analysis will help establish communication between those allegedly involved and provide further evidence regarding the suspected financial irregularities.
Accused Sent to Judicial Custody
On Monday, all eight arrested accused were produced before the Anti-Corruption Court through video conferencing.
The court remanded them to judicial custody until July 14. During the hearing, police did not seek further custodial interrogation, indicating that the investigation is currently focusing on documentary, financial and digital evidence.
Cash, Jewellery and Property Records Under Verification
Searches conducted at the residences of the accused have resulted in the seizure of several financial documents, including land registration papers, property records, bank passbooks and other documents related to assets.
Police have also recovered gold and silver jewellery along with purchase invoices from some locations.
Investigators are now verifying whether these valuables and assets were purchased using money allegedly diverted from temple donations.
Officials said the financial records are being carefully examined to identify any mismatch between declared income and acquired assets.
Property Linked to Accused Draws Attention
One of the major findings of the investigation relates to accused Lavkush Mishra.
According to investigators, a 1,000-square-foot plot located in Shahadatganj, Ayodhya, was purchased in the name of his wife, Supriya Mishra, in October 2025.
Authorities estimate the land was bought for around Rs 25 lakh, while the construction of a three-storey house on the property is believed to have cost another Rs 80-90 lakh.
The total investment is estimated to be approximately Rs 1.5 crore.
Investigators are trying to determine how such assets were accumulated when Lavkush Mishra’s reported monthly income was around Rs 20,000.
Residents of the locality reportedly told police that construction work at the property stopped shortly after the investigation became public.
Further Action Against Unnamed Individuals Possible
Officials said the FIR filed after the SIT investigation includes references not only to the eight arrested accused but also to certain unidentified individuals.
This allows investigators to add more names to the case if fresh evidence establishes their involvement in the alleged misappropriation of temple donations.
Police have indicated that no person found linked to the case will be spared, regardless of their role or position.
Temple Trust Plans Major Changes to Donation System
Alongside the criminal investigation, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is working on measures to improve transparency and security in handling donations.
Among the proposals under consideration are introducing QR code-based digital donations, replacing the existing 20 donation boxes with a single secure collection point, and transferring gold and silver offerings to the Government Mint for safe handling and accounting.
The Trust is expected to discuss and take a final decision on these proposals during its meeting scheduled for July 6.
With the investigation continuing to expand and more individuals coming under scrutiny, authorities are expected to intensify efforts to uncover the full extent of the alleged financial irregularities surrounding donations received at one of the country’s most prominent religious sites.
