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.

Rai alleges government trying to suppress voice over donation theft; other Congress leaders also detained; eight accused in embezzlement case sent to 14-day judicial custody

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai was placed under house arrest by police late Monday night at a hotel in Ayodhya, hours before he was scheduled to lead a party delegation to offer prayers at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and protest outside the Trust office over the alleged donation theft.

According to Congress sources, Rai was taken into custody from Hotel Padam Shri Palace around 11:30 pm and later shifted to the guest house of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology in Kumarganj, about 60 km from Ayodhya. Heavy police deployment was made outside the university's gates, with security personnel stationed at Gates No. 1 and 2.

A nine-member Congress delegation, which included Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma, Barabanki MP Tanuj Punia, Prayagraj MP Ujjwal Raman Singh, Sitapur MP Rakesh Rathor, former Rajya Sabha MP SP Gautam, former MLC Deepak Singh, former MLA Meeta Gautam and Pharenda MLA Virendra Chaudhary, was scheduled to visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to offer prayers and have darshan of Ramlala.

Tanuj Punia claimed he was placed under house arrest in Barabanki before he could leave for Ayodhya. Ujjwal Raman Singh was similarly confined to his residence in Prayagraj from 10 am on Tuesday. Congress district president of Pratapgarh Neeraj Tripathi was also detained, the party alleged.

'Won't leave without darshan'

Speaking to reporters, Rai alleged the government was trying to prevent Congress leaders from visiting the shrine. "I had reached Ayodhya a day earlier because we anticipated that something like this could happen. Despite that, we have been stopped from offering prayers," he said.

In a video statement, Rai said: "We all intended to visit Ayodhya to seek the blessings of Lord Shri Ram. We had formed a delegation led by me to offer prayers and seek darshan. We also wanted to pray to the Lord regarding the disrepute brought to this holy site by the RSS and BJP through the theft of offerings and donations, as well as land scams".

"Our colleagues and I were placed under house arrest. We are being subjected to harassment and are being prevented from visiting the temple. We are prepared to do whatever it takes, even if it means going to jail or giving up food and water for a few days to ensure we get to offer our prayers," he added.

Rai asserted he would not leave Ayodhya without offering prayers. "I will go on a hunger strike if required, but I won't leave Ayodhya without offering prayers. We wanted to pray before Ram and Lord Hanuman for the way Ayodhya has been defamed because of the greed of some people from the RSS and BJP," he told The Indian Express.

Wife alleges government trying to silence him

Ajay Rai's wife, Reena Rai, released a video statement from Varanasi, accusing the BJP government of attempting to suppress her husband's voice. "The BJP government is prepared to stoop to any level to silence my husband. After taking him away in a police vehicle, our associates are now being misled with false information. Our fight against the 'donation thieves' will continue. If anything happens to my husband, the entire responsibility will lie with this unrighteous BJP government," she said.

Congress terms action unconstitutional

The Uttar Pradesh Congress termed the action unconstitutional and demanded the immediate release of its leaders. In a post on X, the party questioned: "Has it now become a crime in UP to even have darshan of Lord Shri Ram?"

"Lord Shri Ram does not belong to any single political party or ideology; He is a symbol of the faith and culture of the entire country. Stopping devotees from going to Ayodhya is unconstitutional," the party said.

Senior Congress spokesperson Anshu Awasthi accused the BJP government of curbing the fundamental right of devotees. "The BJP government wants to control who can offer prayers. This reflects the dictatorial functioning of the Yogi Adityanath government," Awasthi alleged.

CM Yogi hits back

At an event in Rampur on Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a counter-attack, saying those who had once denied the existence of Lord Ram now wanted to visit Ayodhya. "The very people who, before 2017, had devotees beaten for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' are now invoking faith," he said. "The Congress had once denied the very existence of Lord Ram, but now it says Ram belongs to everyone. Everyone is eager to visit Ayodhya. But Lord Ram is the Lord of the universe. He knows who is right and who is wrong."

Donation theft case: Eight accused sent to judicial custody

The political confrontation comes amid an ongoing probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir. On Monday, a local court in Ayodhya remanded all eight accused to 14 days of judicial custody. Police had arrested the eight accused following an FIR registered on June 25 on the complaint of Trust member Krishna Mohan.

The accused include Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu, who is described as a close associate of former Trust General Secretary Champat Rai. On June 28, eight police teams conducted simultaneous raids at the homes of the accused. At Tinnu's residence, investigators recovered documents relating to investments, property purchases, jewellery and cash.

Champat Rai, Anil Mishra resign; Trust meeting advanced

Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Dr Anil Mishra resigned on June 27, two days after the FIR was registered, taking "moral responsibility" for the alleged embezzlement. Sources say Champat Rai left Ayodhya for Delhi on Sunday evening to present his case and seek support from RSS and VHP leadership.

The Trust has advanced its scheduled meeting from July 11 to July 6 to consider the resignations. Sources claim the SIT may hold Champat Rai, Dr Mishra and Gopal Rao responsible in its final report, and registration of an FIR against them is likely once the report is submitted.

Police expand financial investigation

Police have expanded the financial investigation, seeking details of bank accounts belonging to employees working at more than three State Bank of India branches in the Ayodhya area. Investigators are scrutinising bank transactions and financial links of the accused.

Owaisi, Mayawati react

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said in Bijnor: "The Trust made a mistake. They should have appointed a Muslim to the Trust and then blamed him. The entire matter would have been settled. But now Champat is facing the consequences".

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati said those guilty of temple offering theft must not be spared.

Meanwhile, Congress workers staged a sit-in protest outside the Agriculture University's Gate No. 1, demanding Rai's release. Police used mild force to disperse Congress workers who attempted to march towards the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, detaining several workers including former Rajya Sabha MP Aliya Zubairi.

A major controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district after the death of a seven-year-old student whose family has accused a private school teacher of physically assaulting him. The sensitive Damoh student death case came into public focus on Saturday morning when grieving family members reached the Superintendent of Police office carrying the child’s body and demanding strict legal action against the accused teacher.

The child had reportedly been undergoing treatment in Bhopal for nearly two months before he died on Friday evening. The incident has triggered outrage in the local community and raised serious questions regarding student safety and disciplinary practices in private schools. According to family members, the deceased child, identified as Kavya Namdev, was a Class 3 student at IES Public School located in Tendukheda area of Damoh district. The child’s maternal uncle Hemant Namdev alleged that on February 19 the school teacher, identified as Devendri Thakur, beat the child with a scale after he allegedly failed to complete his homework.

The family claimed that the teacher struck the boy on his hands, legs, and head, following which his health condition began deteriorating. According to relatives, the child developed fever soon after returning home and gradually stopped eating and speaking normally. His condition reportedly became serious within a short period, forcing the family to seek medical treatment at several hospitals. Initially, the boy was taken to the Tendukheda health centre, where doctors referred him to higher medical facilities due to worsening health.

The family later admitted him to Chirayu Hospital, where medical examinations including MRI scans were conducted. Relatives alleged that the MRI report showed swelling in the child’s head and doctors indicated the condition could be linked to physical trauma. As his condition continued to deteriorate, the child was shifted to Apollo Hospital in Jabalpur for advanced treatment. After several days of treatment there without major improvement, he was eventually referred to AIIMS Bhopal for specialised care. The child remained admitted at AIIMS for nearly two months while doctors continued treatment, but he died on Friday evening during treatment. Following the death, family members brought the body back to Damoh and directly approached the SP office seeking justice.

The grieving relatives alleged that authorities had failed to take proper action despite earlier complaints. The child’s uncle claimed that the complaint filed at Tendukheda police station earlier did not accurately mention the accused individuals and alleged that names were removed from the report. He further stated that the family had submitted applications to the Collector, Superintendent of Police, and District Education Officer requesting investigation into the matter, but no concrete action had been initiated. Family members now want strict punishment against the teacher and a transparent investigation into the entire incident.

The matter quickly drew attention after the family arrived at the SP office with the child’s body. Police officials immediately intervened and sent the body to the district hospital for post-mortem examination. Kotwali police station officials confirmed that a panel post-mortem would be conducted under the supervision of senior authorities considering the seriousness and sensitivity of the case. Police officials stated that the exact cause of death would only become clear after the post-mortem findings and medical reports are examined. Meanwhile, district authorities have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the entire case. Officials said the SIT would examine all aspects of the matter, including the medical treatment records, witness statements, earlier complaints filed by the family, and the conduct of school authorities after the alleged assault. Police sources indicated that statements from doctors, school staff, and family members are likely to be recorded during the investigation process.

The case has also put the private school administration under scrutiny. Responding to the allegations, school operator Vikram Singh stated that the institution had acted immediately after the complaint was first received from the family. According to him, the accused teacher was removed from service soon after the allegations surfaced. He also claimed that the school administration fully cooperated with the child’s treatment and even provided financial support to the family during the boy’s prolonged treatment in Bhopal. The school management maintained that they support a fair and unbiased investigation into the case. At the same time, police officials have urged the public not to draw conclusions until the investigation and medical reports are completed.

The Damoh student death case has sparked widespread debate regarding corporal punishment in schools and the accountability of educational institutions in handling complaints involving children. Local residents and social organisations have demanded strict monitoring of disciplinary practices in schools to ensure student safety. The incident has also intensified demands for stronger child protection mechanisms in educational institutions across the state.

--------------

Bhopal Minor Rape Case: CDR Confirms Maj and Osaf Were Together During Crime; Harassment Evidence Found

In a major breakthrough in the Khanugang area gangrape case, where an 11th-grade minor girl was abducted and sexually assaulted in a Thar SUV, the police have gathered concrete evidence against the accused, Mohammed Maj Khan and Osaf Ali Khan. On Thursday, the police took accused Maj to the crime scene for spot verification, where he confessed to his involvement. The Call Detail Record (CDR) analysis has now opened a new chapter in the investigation.

CDR Analysis Confirms Presence

According to the CDR obtained by the police, the mobile locations of both accused, Maj and Osaf, were found together at the same spot in Khanugang at the time of the incident. This confirms that both were present during the crime, contradicting their initial claims of being elsewhere.

Furthermore, the investigation has revealed that accused Maj had sent obscene messages to the victim and had also harassed her. Although Maj denied the harassment charges during police remand, digital evidence has proven him wrong.

Arms Act Charges Added

During the investigation, it was discovered that Osaf Ali Khan always kept a knife in his car. The police have recovered this weapon. Following this recovery, charges under the Arms Act have been added against the accused. The police are now investigating whether the accused threatened to kill the victim.

Maj's Confession: "I Only Made the Video"

During interrogation, accused Maj Khan told the police that he did not harass the victim but only secretly made a private video of her. Maj also admitted that he had planned the entire act in advance. He stood outside the car and filmed the act between Osaf and the girl through the window.

Maj stated, "I had planned it beforehand. I stood outside the car, peered through the glass, and secretly shot the video. We shared the video among ourselves."

Shocking Revelations of Blackmail

The accused repeatedly forced the victim to engage in physical relations. Whenever the girl resisted, they threatened to make the video viral. Using this threat, the accused also extorted Rs 40,000 from the minor girl.

Rape Committed in Four Different Cars

The investigation has revealed that the accused raped the victim at different times in four different luxury cars. Following Maj's disclosure, the police have recovered the Thar and three other cars from a village in the Sehore district. Maj used all four cars, and the crime was committed at different locations each time.

Head Constable Suspended for Leaking Information

Negligence within the police department has also come to light in this case. Head Constable Gyanendra Dwivedi, posted at the Kohefiza police station, has been suspended. He is accused of having lunch with accused Maj at a hotel and leaking confidential departmental information, which delayed Maj's arrest. During interrogation, Maj revealed that Dwivedi was paid Rs 50,000 for this favor.

SIT to Probe the 'Crorepati' Mystery

23-year-old Maj Khan runs a prestigious gym and claims to be a partner in several construction sites. His brother Monis is out on bail in an MD drug trafficking case. The police suspect foul play regarding how these two brothers became millionaires in just 8-10 years. The SIT will now investigate this mystery. Monis used to be a modest home tutor just 10-12 years ago.

Formation of SIT

Given the seriousness of the case, a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed. The team will be led by TT Nagar ACP Ankita Khatarkar. The SIT will investigate:

- Whether the accused targeted other young women as well.

- How the victim came into contact with the accused.

- Who else is involved in making the video and blackmailing.

- Whether there was any pressure for religious conversion.

The Case So Far

An 11th-grade minor girl was abducted and gangraped in a Thar SUV in the Khanugang area of Bhopal. The accused made an obscene video of the girl and extorted Rs 40,000 from her by blackmail. The main accused, Osaf Ali Khan (19), has been sent to jail, while Maj Khan is currently on police remand. A reward of Rs 10,000 was also announced for Maj's arrest. The SIT is now probing the case, and more revelations are expected in the coming days.