The grandfather of Lavkush Mishra, one of the eight accused in the Ram Temple embezzlement case, said on Friday, 3 July that his family has received a one-week notice for the demolition of their house in Ayodhya. The disclosure adds a new dimension to the fallout from the temple funds misappropriation case, which has already drawn statewide attention.

What the Notice Says

Jagdamba Prasad Mishra, the grandfather, said authorities are questioning whether the house plan carries official approval. He explained that the approved map is currently with the contractor, who is reportedly unavailable. 'They are asking whether the plan of the house is approved or not. The approved map is with the contractor. That contractor is not here at the moment. We have spoken to the officials; when he comes, he will present the map...they have given one-week notice. If it is not produced, they will demolish the house,' he said.

Mishra maintained that the house plan has been both prepared and sanctioned, though he acknowledged that land title documents may not have been formalised. He added that bulldozers have reportedly already reached the site.

Family's Response and Legal Stand

Jagdamba Prasad Mishra firmly contested the demolition order, arguing that no action should be taken until the Special Investigation Team (SIT) — constituted by the Chief Minister — submits its report and allegations are proven in court. 'How can they demolish our house just by serving a notice?' he said, adding that the family intends to oppose any such action.

He said he plans to meet the District Magistrate to seek intervention, while clarifying that approaching a court is not yet on the table. He also stated that if the plan is found to be non-compliant, the family should be given time to regularise it before any demolition is carried out.

Second Accused's Family Speaks Out

Sadhana Mishra, sister-in-law of another accused, Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, said the cash recovered by police from their residence came from a personal camera operations business and had no connection to the temple. She also noted that Yadav had not been living at the house for the past three years and that she had no interaction with him.

While acknowledging that misappropriation of temple funds and donations has occurred, she asserted that the allegations specifically targeting Yadav are incorrect. 'I too feel bigger names are involved in it,' she said, suggesting the accused may not be the primary culprits.

Background: The Ram Temple Embezzlement Case

The case involves alleged misappropriation of funds and donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with eight individuals arrested so far. An SIT has been formed at the Chief Minister's direction to investigate the matter. The case has triggered a broader debate over accountability in the management of one of India's most prominent religious sites. Notably, demolition notices issued to family members of accused persons have drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates, who argue such actions risk being punitive rather than regulatory.

With the SIT probe ongoing and families of the accused contesting both the criminal charges and the demolition notices, the case is likely to escalate further in the coming days.