Ram Temple donation case: UP Police to seek custody of two accused to probe money trail

The Uttar Pradesh Police are preparing to request custody of Lavkush Mishra and Anukalp Mishra, two individuals accused in the Ram Temple donation controversy. Officials privy to the investigation stated that the police aim to uncover the alleged theft mechanism and determine if the misappropriated cash was used to acquire assets. This move follows the questioning of another accused, Avinash Shukla, who was granted a day's police custody last week. Shukla was taken to multiple locations in Ayodhya, including a hotel where cash was allegedly distributed among the accused, and his native Pratapgarh district for searches. The investigation has already led to the arrest of eight men, including the Mishra brothers, and the seizure of ₹79,85,493. Police also recovered approximately ₹20 lakh, U.S. dollars, gold and silver ornaments, and a donation box from Shukla's rented accommodation. Investigators believe custodial interrogation of Lavkush and Anukalp is crucial to corroborate Shukla's statements and establish the alleged movement, concealment, and disposal of devotees' donations.

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The police will look to verify disclosures made by Avinash Shukla, who was taken to multiple locations in Ayodhya on Friday, including a hotel where cash was allegedly distributed among the accused.