The controversy over alleged donation irregularities at the Ram Temple took a new turn on Saturday after temple authorities formally requested Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to order a Special Investigation Team probe. The demand comes as investigators recovered ₹10 lakh in cash from the residence of a temple employee who had allegedly concealed the money beneath a pile of cow dung.

Lavkush Mishra, a 27-year-old employee responsible for counting donation offerings at the shrine, is now under the scanner. A search team visited his residence in Minapur Thakuran Phagauli village, Rudauli area, where they found the stash hidden inside cupboards, boxes, and partially buried under dried cow dung.

Cow Dung Discovery

The search party comprised six individuals, including two in police uniform and four in plain clothes, according to village residents. Mishra's father, Bacchulal, confirmed the recovery but stopped short of claiming ownership of the cash.

"What had to happen has now happened. During the search, ₹10 lakh was recovered," the father told reporters. He added that a house being constructed in Faizabad had no connection to his son, claiming he had mortgaged 10-12 bighas of farmland to fund that project.

From Mechanic to Temple Employee

Villagers recall that Mishra, who previously worked as a car mechanic, experienced a sharp improvement in his financial situation after joining the temple four to five months ago. Locals said he would spend generously during village visits—on one occasion reportedly treating fellow villagers with ₹50,000 worth of liquor.

Mishra married eight years ago and has two children—a six-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter. His father works at the iron market in Ghaziabad.

Trust Moves Fast

Nripendra Mishra, chairman of the temple's construction committee, arrived in Ayodhya on Saturday for the second time within five days. When questioned by reporters about whether the donation controversy would feature in discussions, he deflected, stating his responsibility remained overseeing construction progress.

Sources familiar with the matter said the trust's letter to the chief minister seeks a thorough investigation into the alleged theft of offerings, which some claims have pegged at around ₹7 crore. The exact scale remains unverified.

Old Complaints Surface

The row gained traction after Mahipal Singh, who claims to have served as the temple's accounts in-charge, alleged that theft of offerings was routine. He said he was removed from his post the day after reporting irregularities to trust general secretary Champat Rai.

Singh also claimed that eight-month-old CCTV footage was deleted and that no proper records existed for gold, silver, and jewellery received as offerings. His assertions have found support from some saints and seers in Ayodhya, who are now demanding a probe.

Political Fallout

Opposition leaders have seized on the developments. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned why private companies were involved in counting temple offerings and why CCTV footage remains unavailable. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak hit back, accusing Yadav of spreading rumours and disrespecting Supreme Court verdicts.

The recovered cash has been sent for examination, though officials have yet to determine whether it originated from temple donations. Meanwhile, the trust has not issued any formal statement on Mishra's employment status.

PM Modi Offers Prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Amid Grand Roadshow

Varanasi roadshow and temple darshan mark key leg of PM's two-day visit to constituency

Roadshow Kicks Off with Massive Turnout

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a vibrant 14-km roadshow in Varanasi on Wednesday morning, drawing huge crowds of BJP workers and locals along the route. The procession started from Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) and wound through Lahartara, Kachahri, Ambedkar Chauraha, Chaukaghat, Teliyabag, Lahurabir, and Maidagin before reaching Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Supporters showered flowers on the convoy and danced to drum beats and traditional instruments, creating a festive atmosphere despite the morning heat.

This marks the second day of Modi's two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency—his 54th trip to Varanasi over the past 11 years and the first in 2026. His last visit was in November 2025. Initial reports from the ground indicate the crowds spilled onto streets, waving flags and chanting slogans.

Priests Welcome PM with Ceremonial Fanfare

At the temple entrance around 9:50 AM, 108 young priests, known as Batuks, gave PM Modi a traditional welcome with conch blowing and damru beats. He responded with folded hands, greeting everyone warmly. Inside, five priests led by chief priest Pandit Om Prakash Mishra performed rituals, adorning him with a garland as he offered prayers and darshan.

Modi also waved a trident during the proceedings and interacted briefly with children and other devotees in the temple premises. Local sources described the scene as charged with devotion, with the PM acknowledging supporters throughout.

Temple Visit Highlights Devotional Sequence

The darshan wrapped up smoothly by late morning, with visuals showing Modi navigating the temple corridors amid chants. Earlier, at 9:52 AM, he was seen waving to the crowd post-rituals. Party workers outside kept the energy high, though security was tight along the route.

This visit underscores Modi's deep connect with Varanasi, a city he has represented since 2014. Temples like Kashi Vishwanath hold immense cultural significance here, drawing millions annually.

Next: Ganga Expressway Inauguration

Post-temple, PM Modi headed by road to the airport alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. They're en route to Hardoi for the inauguration of the 594-km Ganga Expressway, linking Meerut to Prayagraj. Officials confirmed the event as a major infra push, expected to boost connectivity and cut travel times.

The expressway project, long in the works, aligns with the government's focus on eastern UP development. Ground reports suggest it could transform logistics in the region.

Crowd Response Reflects Strong Support

Locals turned out in force despite the midweek timing, lining streets from BLW onwards. At Varanasi station earlier, the roadshow had already pulled massive crowds, per visuals around 10:29 AM. BJP cadres led the celebrations, but ordinary devotees joined in, highlighting the event's broad appeal.

No major disruptions were reported, though traffic diversions were in place till noon.

Visits Boost Local Economy, Infra Focus

Such high-profile stops invariably energize Varanasi's tourism and trader economy. The PM's itinerary reflects priorities like spiritual heritage alongside projects such as the expressway. Sources familiar with the matter said planning for the roadshow began days ago, ensuring smooth logistics.

As Modi wraps up in Hardoi, eyes will be on any announcements tied to UP's growth. For now, the Kashi Vishwanath darshan stands out as a poignant moment in his packed schedule.