Ayodhya Ram Temple Scam Widens: Police Probe ‘Jobs-For-Cash’ Racket Involving 125 Appointments, Alongside Gangster Act Push And Custody Battle

The Ram Mandir donation theft investigation in Ayodhya has expanded on multiple fronts, with police carrying out fresh raids at the homes of accused individuals, a new probe into an alleged jobs-for-cash racket involving around 125 temple appointments, and moves to invoke the Gangster Act. Here is a full, updated picture of where the case stands, based on police sources and reports.

New angle: were temple jobs sold for money?

Investigators are now examining whether an organised racket operated behind the scenes of hiring at the temple, with money allegedly changing hands to secure appointments. Officials say close to 125 people were recruited for various positions at the temple establishment, and police are trying to determine whether some candidates paid to get those jobs.

The probe is looking into whether this was simply informal favouritism, or a structured racket dressed up as legitimate temple appointments, with money quietly collected in exchange for employment.

Police raid homes of Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey

Police intensified the investigation this week, carrying out fresh searches at the residences of several accused, including Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey, as part of the effort to gather evidence on the alleged siphoning of temple funds.

At Anukalp Mishra's home, his grandmother, Sita Devi, defended him to reporters, describing him as a disciplined young man who avoids bad habits and does not spend time loitering around.

At Lavkush Mishra's ancestral home, his grandmother, Girija Devi, appeared distressed by the questioning, saying she is unwell and has no knowledge of any money, and insisting her grandson had not strayed from the right path.

Karunesh Pandey's family also denied the allegations. Relative Prabha Shankar Pandey said there was no evidence against him and pointed to the family's modest financial situation, arguing nothing in Karunesh's lifestyle suggested any theft or unexplained wealth. Another relative, Aditya Prakash Pandey, added that Karunesh's day-to-day lifestyle has shown no visible change.

These searches follow an earlier raid on June 28 at the home of accused Avinash Shukla. A local court in Ayodhya has already remanded the accused to 14 days of judicial custody.

How the case began

The case originated from allegations made by former Samajwadi Party MLA Pawan Pandey, who claimed that between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore in temple donations had been misappropriated. An FIR was registered on June 25 under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Those named in the FIR include Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Tinnu Yadav, Manish Yadav and others.

Following the allegations, the Uttar Pradesh government formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 14, at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Trust. Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra both resigned shortly after, citing moral responsibility for the alleged irregularities.

Gangster Act may be invoked against accused

Police are separately preparing to apply the Gangster Act against those already arrested in the case. Legal opinion is currently being sought, and if cleared, the Act could be applied to all the accused together. This would open the door to stronger action, including attachment of the accused's assets, which is why officers are waiting on legal advice before proceeding.

Police seek 48-hour custody of Avinash Shukla

A court decision was expected on whether police would get 48-hour custody of Avinash Shukla to examine his financial transactions and possible links to the other accused. During the hearing, Shukla told the court he had not been provided a lawyer, following which the court directed that legal aid be arranged for him.

Meanwhile, the SIT continues to comb through the full financial trail connected to the temple's donations.

Faizabad Bar Association refuses to defend the accused

In a significant development, the Faizabad Bar Association unanimously resolved that none of its members would represent any of the eight arrested men. The decision was taken during a general body meeting amid strong sentiment over the alleged misuse of devotees' offerings.

Bar Association president Kalika Prasad Mishra said any lawyer who still wished to take up the case would first need to apply and deposit ₹5 lakh per accused with the association, an amount he said would go toward pursuing the prosecution. Association secretary Shailendra Jaiswal said the legal community felt deeply aggrieved by the allegations, which led to the unanimous stance.

The eight men in custody are Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ram Shankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ramashankar alias Tinnu Yadav, all of whom were responsible for counting cash and valuables donated at the temple.

Bar Association also targets temple functionaries

The Bar Association has gone a step further, giving three temple functionaries- Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao - three days to leave Ayodhya, and warning of a city-wide blockade preventing entry to the temple town if they fail to comply. None of the three have been named as accused in the police FIR so far.

The association has also resolved to push for a case to be registered against the three under Section 156(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, first through the police and, if that fails, through the courts. It has additionally decided to petition the Allahabad High Court for a CBI investigation into the alleged embezzlement, with members saying they would approach the Supreme Court if necessary.

Bar Association to also file complaint against the Trust

Separately, the Bar Association is preparing to file a formal complaint at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station targeting the temple Trust itself. Police say this complaint could also pave the way for seizing assets belonging to the accused.

Development authority flags illegal construction

The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has issued a notice over a building under construction registered in the name of the wife of accused Lav Kush Mishra. ADA inspectors reportedly found the construction did not follow approved building norms and have given a one-week deadline for a written response, including confirmation of whether the building plan was formally approved. The Authority has warned of further action, including possible demolition, if no response is received in time.

Media access restricted at temple entrance

Amid the raids and outrage, media coverage outside the main entrance of the Ram temple was restricted on a recent morning, with police on duty citing official orders for barring journalists from the site.

SIT team expected in Ayodhya

Sources say the three-member SIT is likely to meet senior officials in Lucknow, after which the team may travel to Ayodhya to review the police investigation carried out since the FIR was registered. The SIT is expected to examine everything recovered during raids, documents, cash and other items, along with details that have emerged during questioning of the accused, and remains in regular contact with the Ayodhya Senior Superintendent of Police.

Political pressure mounts

The state administration continues to face pressure from opposition parties demanding a thorough and transparent probe into the alleged misappropriation of public offerings made to the temple, as police continue gathering evidence.

Read More: Ram Mandir Donation Row: Ayodhya Police Raid Homes of Accused