All eight individuals arrested in connection with the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya have no previous criminal record, sources close to the investigation said on Saturday, 4 July. Investigators are now focused on identifying the mastermind behind what they describe as 'large-scale irregularities' in the handling of temple offerings.

No Prior Criminal History, Raising Deeper Questions

According to sources privy to the probe, the accused not only lacked criminal antecedents but also had no prior experience in planning or executing thefts of this nature. This has intensified speculation about whether a more sophisticated operator directed the alleged embezzlement from behind the scenes. Ayodhya police are now reportedly conducting a parallel search for that individual.

Trust Meeting and Questioning of Office-Bearers

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting on Monday, during which members will deliberate on resignation letters submitted by the Trust's General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra. Following the meeting, police are scheduled to formally question office-bearers associated with the Trust. Notably, sources confirmed that neither Trustee Anil Mishra nor temple official Gopal Rao has been questioned by police so far.

Land and Bank Records Under Scrutiny

Ayodhya police have obtained land and bank records of all eight accused and are investigating whether their assets qualify as 'proceeds of crime.' The police formally requested land parcel records belonging to the accused and their family members from the Revenue Department, and have so far received documents relating to approximately 20 land parcels. Investigators are now verifying the dates on which these properties were purchased relative to when the accused first became associated with the Ram Mandir Trust. If the purchases post-date their association with the Trust, the administration could classify those assets as proceeds of crime, sources said.

Vehicle Seized, Money-Sharing Location Identified

On Friday, acting on a tip from main accused Avinash Shukla, police seized a four-wheeler vehicle and designated it as a 'proceed of crime.' During police remand, Shukla was taken to a site near the 14-Kosi Parikrama route in Ayodhya, where he reportedly identified the exact location where the stolen cash was divided among the group. Investigators believe this is where the accused — including Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Kamlesh Pandey, and Tinu Yadav — allegedly gathered after the theft to distribute the stolen donations, according to sources privy to the probe.

What Comes Next

With the Trust's Monday meeting expected to decide the fate of two senior resignations, and police questioning of office-bearers to follow, the investigation is entering a critical phase. The identification of the alleged mastermind and the outcome of the asset-verification exercise will likely determine the scope and direction of the case in the days ahead.