Ram Temple Donation Theft: Accused Used Relatives' Bank Accounts to Launder Stolen Cash, 30 Accounts Frozen

The investigation into the alleged Ram Temple donation theft has uncovered a suspected money laundering network, with police claiming that the accused routed stolen donations through the bank accounts of relatives and friends to conceal the source of the funds.

The latest findings have prompted investigators to freeze nearly 30 bank accounts linked to the accused and their family members as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) expands its probe.

Key Highlights

• Police claim the accused laundered stolen donation money through relatives' and friends' bank accounts.
• Around 30 bank accounts linked to the accused and their family members have been frozen.
• Investigators say bank records support parts of the accused's statements.
• The SIT has widened its probe into the temple's donation management system.
• Officials are also examining the role of the State Bank of India (SBI) in the donation handling process.

Stolen Donations Routed Through Multiple Accounts

According to police sources, the accused allegedly transferred stolen temple donations into the accounts of close relatives and trusted associates before moving the money back into their own accounts.

Investigators believe this method was used to hide the origin of the funds and make the transactions appear legitimate.

Police said preliminary examination of banking records has corroborated portions of the accused's statements.

Three Accused Under Investigation

According to sources, the alleged money laundering operation involved:

• Anukul Mishra
• Luvkush Mishra
• Karunesh Pandey

During questioning, the trio reportedly admitted to routing the stolen money through accounts belonging to friends and relatives before reclaiming the funds.

Authorities are continuing to verify these claims through financial records.

30 Bank Accounts Frozen

As part of the ongoing investigation, police have frozen nearly 30 bank accounts belonging to the accused, their relatives and other associates believed to be connected to the alleged financial transactions.

Officials are examining account statements to determine the flow of funds and identify any additional beneficiaries.

SIT Expands Probe

The Special Investigation Team has widened its investigation beyond the alleged theft itself.

Officials are now scrutinising:

• The Ram Temple donation collection system.
• The process used for handling and depositing donations.
• Financial monitoring mechanisms.
• The role of the State Bank of India (SBI) in managing temple donations.

Investigators are expected to review whether procedural lapses allowed the alleged siphoning of funds over an extended period.

Investigation Continues

The probe remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated that further arrests or financial action could follow depending on the findings from the examination of bank records and digital evidence.

Police are also working to determine the total amount allegedly diverted through the laundering network.

FAQs

What is the Ram Temple donation theft case?

The case relates to the alleged theft and misappropriation of donations made by devotees at the Ram Temple, with an SIT investigating the financial transactions.

How was the money allegedly laundered?

Police claim the accused transferred stolen money through the bank accounts of relatives and friends before moving it back into their own accounts.

How many bank accounts have been frozen?

Investigators have frozen around 30 bank accounts linked to the accused and their family members.

Who is investigating the case?

The investigation is being carried out by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Is SBI also under scrutiny?

The SIT is examining the temple's donation management system, including the role of the State Bank of India (SBI) in handling donations.

Conclusion

The Ram Temple donation theft investigation has now expanded into an alleged money laundering case, with police claiming the accused used relatives' and associates' bank accounts to disguise the movement of stolen funds. As dozens of bank accounts remain frozen and financial records are scrutinised, the SIT continues to investigate the full extent of the alleged fraud and the systems responsible for managing temple donations.