LUCKNOW: Investigators probing the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations have intensified their focus on Anukalp Mishra, whom police suspect to be one of the key conspirators in the case. Authorities are now examining his financial transactions, assets and recent purchases to determine whether they were funded using proceeds from the alleged theft of devotees’ offerings.Who Is Anukalp Mishra?According to police, Anukalp Mishra was part of the outsourced team responsible for counting cash donations at the Ram Temple. Investigators allege that he played a central role in the conspiracy to embezzle temple donations.Police have also alleged that Anukalp facilitated the deployment of his brother-in-law, Lavkush Mishra, to the same cash-counting team through the outsourcing agency. Both Anukalp and Lavkush are among the eight people arrested so far in the case.As part of the probe, police teams visited Anukalp’s native Basawa village in Ayodhya district. Investigators found that his residence appeared significantly more lavish than neighbouring houses.Residents reportedly told police that the family’s financial condition had improved considerably over the past few years.Investigators are now verifying claims that Anukalp recently built a farmhouse on the outskirts of the village and purchased a house in Ayodhya last year, reportedly worth around Rs 65 lakh. Police are also examining claims that he was in the process of buying a Mahindra Scorpio SUV.Police are also investigating a seven-day religious programme allegedly organised by Anukalp in his village on April 30.Investigators are verifying the expenditure incurred on the event and the source of funds used to organise it after several prominent personalities, including senior figures associated with the Ram Temple establishment and local public representatives, attended the function.Lavkush Mishra Also Under ScrutinyPolice are carrying out a similar financial investigation into Lavkush Mishra, who allegedly joined the temple donation counting team through Anukalp’s recommendation.Investigators are verifying claims that Lavkush recently purchased a motorcycle worth over Rs 1 lakh despite living in rented accommodation.Officials said the assets, bank accounts, property records, investments and expenditure patterns of all eight arrested accused are under examination to determine whether they are disproportionate to their known sources of income.
