Ayodhya | The investigation into the alleged Ram Temple donation theft in Ayodhya has uncovered another significant lead, with investigators now suspecting the existence of a fake donation receipt racket operating alongside the alleged misappropriation of temple offerings. Police claim to have recovered alleged counterfeit receipt books bearing the name of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which were allegedly used to collect money from devotees under the guise of official donations.
According to police sources, the accused allegedly admitted during questioning that, apart from siphoning money from temple donation boxes, they also issued fake donation receipts to devotees, creating the impression that the contributions were being officially acknowledged by the Trust. Investigators are now verifying the authenticity of the recovered receipt books, identifying their source of printing, and determining the period during which they were allegedly used to assess the full scale of the suspected fraud.
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The accused identified in the investigation include Tinnu Yadav, Lav Kush Mishra, Karunesh Pandey, and Anukalp Mishra. Police are also examining whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged network and how much money may have been collected through the purported fake receipt operation.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Ayodhya Police obtained the court-approved remand of Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey and took them to multiple locations linked to the case to recover documentary and physical evidence related to the alleged donation theft and fake receipt racket.
Investigators are also scrutinising the accused persons’ bank accounts, financial transactions, and assets allegedly acquired using the suspected proceeds of the fraud. Authorities are attempting to determine whether the allegedly misappropriated donation funds were used to purchase land, houses, vehicles, or other properties.
The probe has further expanded to include a recently purchased house and vehicle allegedly linked to Anukalp Mishra. Police are examining the financial sources behind these acquisitions and may conduct additional searches if warranted by the investigation.
Earlier, investigators questioned five accused lodged in jail, and the information gathered during those interrogations reportedly led to the latest investigative developments. Authorities are now working to establish the complete chain of the alleged donation theft, the suspected fake receipt operation, and the financial trail associated with the case.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have indicated that further disclosures and additional legal action may follow depending on the evidence collected during the course of the probe.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
