Investigation: Major Breakthrough in Ram Temple Donation Theft Case

A major breakthrough has emerged in the alleged theft of donation offerings at the Ram Temple, with investigators claiming that the largest embezzlement took place during the Mahakumbh, when donations from devotees surged significantly. According to sources, eight accused individuals were involved in a well-planned conspiracy, with Lavkush and Anukalp—identified as brothers-in-law—allegedly playing the central role in siphoning off donation money. Investigators say the accused were previously involved in small-scale thefts but exploited the heavy influx of pilgrims during the Mahakumbh to carry out large-scale misappropriation. The role of certain SBI employees has also come under suspicion, and police are examining whether they facilitated the alleged fraud. Authorities have sought assistance from the Income Tax Department to scrutinise the accused's financial transactions and assets. Officials also claim that after the alleged theft and manipulation were uncovered and preventive measures introduced, the temple's daily donation collections increased substantially, indicating that earlier collections may have been affected by the alleged diversion of devotees' offerings.