The investigation into the alleged theft of donation money at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya gathered pace on Wednesday after police took three accused into 40-hour custody remand for questioning. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is also widening its probe by examining expenditure related to major events organised by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, while political reactions continue to mount over the case.

The three accused—Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra and Karunesh Pandey—were taken into remand after a police team reached Faizabad Jail early Wednesday morning. Officials escorted them to the Police Lines, where they will be questioned regarding the alleged misappropriation of donation funds collected at the temple.

CCTV Footage Forms Key Evidence

According to the SIT's preliminary findings, CCTV footage allegedly shows the three accused pocketing currency notes from donation collections. Investigators are examining the footage along with other documentary and forensic evidence to determine the extent of the alleged embezzlement and identify whether additional individuals were involved.

The remand is expected to help investigators reconstruct the sequence of events and verify the role of each accused.

Trust Finances Under Scrutiny

As part of the ongoing investigation, the SIT has begun reviewing financial records related to major religious events organised by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Officials are scrutinising bills, vouchers and expenditure documents connected with the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony held on January 22, 2024, and the flag-hoisting ceremony organised on November 25, 2025.

According to records under examination, approximately ₹113 crore was spent on the consecration ceremony, which was attended by nearly 8,000 guests, while around ₹10.12 crore was spent on the flag-hoisting event. Investigators are verifying whether financial procedures were properly followed during these programmes.

Champat Rai Meets Trust Treasurer

Meanwhile, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri met Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, who has been staying in seclusion at Teerth Kshetra Puram near the Ram Mandir complex.

On Tuesday, Rai publicly denied all allegations through a written statement, asserting that the accusations against him were baseless and that he had no involvement in any financial irregularities.

Political Reactions Intensify

The case has triggered sharp political reactions across party lines.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Gulab Devi said the state government would ensure strict action against everyone found guilty, irrespective of their influence or position. She stated that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's decision to constitute an inquiry panel reflected the government's commitment to transparency and accountability.

Congress MP Rajeev Shukla questioned the scope of the investigation, arguing that action against only junior staff would be insufficient. He demanded that responsibility be fixed at the highest level if evidence warranted such action and suggested that temple administration should involve a broader representation of religious leaders.

Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav also criticised the investigation process, alleging that the SIT had been constituted before the FIR was registered and claiming that no senior Trust functionary had been named in the case so far.

Investigation Continues

Police officials have not disclosed further details of the interrogation strategy, citing the ongoing investigation. The SIT is expected to continue examining financial documents, digital evidence and witness statements over the coming days to establish whether the alleged theft was an isolated incident or part of a larger conspiracy.

Authorities have maintained that the investigation is being conducted based on evidence and that appropriate legal action will be taken against anyone found responsible.