The investigation into the alleged theft of donations from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Trust has intensified, with Uttar Pradesh Police claiming that a portion of the misappropriated funds was invested in the stock market and routed through the bank accounts of relatives and close associates.

Investigators on Thursday took one of the accused, Anukalp Mishra, to his residence in Ayodhya as part of the ongoing probe. Police searched the premises for around 20 minutes and questioned family members, though officials have not disclosed whether any additional evidence was recovered during the operation.

According to police sources, Anukalp allegedly admitted during interrogation that he and co-accused Avinash Shukla invested a significant portion of the stolen donation money in the stock market. The accused are also alleged to have lent money on interest and transferred funds through the bank accounts of relatives before routing the money back into their own accounts in an attempt to conceal the financial trail.

Thirty Bank Accounts Frozen

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has frozen 30 bank accounts linked to the accused and their family members after investigators found financial transactions that were allegedly disproportionate to their known sources of income.

The move is part of a broader effort to trace the movement of funds and identify the complete money trail. Police officials are examining banking records and digital transactions to determine the total amount allegedly diverted from temple donations.

On Wednesday, police had similarly taken co-accused Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey to their residences for searches. All three accused were subsequently placed on 40-hour police remand for further questioning.

Investigators also recovered forged donation receipts during the searches, which are expected to play a key role in establishing how the alleged fraud was carried out.

Political Reactions Intensify

The case has sparked a fresh political confrontation in Uttar Pradesh.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav termed the alleged theft of temple donations a "grave sin" and accused the Special Investigation Team of attempting to cover up the matter.

Addressing reporters, Yadav claimed that questions had also been raised over the SIT itself, alleging that one of its members was facing a cheating case under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code. He further alleged that complaints raised by the Opposition were not being taken seriously.

Yadav also demanded a detailed examination of call detail records (CDRs) linked to individuals associated with the temple's donation management system.

BJP Defends Investigation

The Bharatiya Janata Party rejected the Opposition's allegations, asserting that the state government had acted swiftly after the irregularities surfaced.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Manoj Pandey said the government had ordered an investigation immediately and assured that those found guilty would face strict action.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Manan Kumar Mishra also criticised the Opposition for politicising the issue, stating that an SIT had already been constituted, FIRs had been registered and arrests had been made. He said the law would take its course regardless of the stature of those involved.

Congress Seeks Greater Accountability

Congress leaders also demanded greater transparency in the management of temple donations.

MP Imran Masood suggested that the Ram Temple Trust should be administered on the lines of the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board if financial irregularities were established. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari questioned how senior officials associated with the Trust could escape scrutiny if the allegations proved true.

Meanwhile, Trust member Mahant Dinendra Das expressed confidence in the state administration and said those responsible would not be spared.

Trust Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri said new safeguards had already been introduced in the donation counting process and expressed confidence that similar incidents would not recur.

Investigation Continues

Police officials continue to examine financial records, electronic evidence and recovered documents as the investigation expands. Authorities have indicated that further arrests or financial action could follow if additional links emerge during the probe.