Ram Temple donation case accused’s wife gets notice over ‘illegal’ construction

The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has issued a formal notice to Supriya Mishra, the wife of accused Lavkush Mishra, concerning an allegedly unauthorized three-storey residential structure under construction in Banveerpur village, located within Sohawal tehsil. This move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct related to donations collected for the Ram Temple. According to officials, the notice was issued based on allegations that the construction was undertaken without the necessary approvals from the development authority, potentially violating local building codes and regulations. The notice gives Supriya a week to respond to the allegations, with the possibility of further legal action, including potential demolition, if the violations are confirmed.

The controversy surrounding the Ram Temple donations began on June 7, when SP leader Tej Narayan "Pawan" Pandey raised concerns about the misappropriation of funds amounting to between ₹5 crore and ₹7.5 crore. These allegations claimed that donations made by devotees to the temple were being diverted rather than used for its intended purposes. In response, the state government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) at the request of the Ram Temple Trust. The SIT conducted a preliminary inquiry from June 15 to June 20, identifying initial irregularities in how cash and valuables were handled by individuals responsible for collecting offerings.

Lavkush Mishra, one of the central figures in this case, was employed by a private agency contracted by the State Bank of India to count the cash collected from the temple’s donation boxes. Alongside him, five other individuals were reportedly involved in this task, all of whom have since been arrested. During a search operation at Lavkush’s residence, investigators questioned his family members as part of the broader probe into these alleged discrepancies. The ADA’s actions appear to be directly tied to directives from the state government, which aims to scrutinize the immovable assets acquired or built by the accused after they became associated with the Ram Temple establishment. Officials emphasized that notices are being issued as a legal prerequisite before any coercive measures can be taken against the properties in question.

In addition to Supriya Mishra’s property, another asset linked to co-accused Anukalp Mishra in Kaushalpuri is also under review. If violations are discovered during inspections, similar legal procedures could follow. Officials noted that the verification process includes assessing whether any assets obtained by the accused require additional legal action under relevant statutes. It is important to note that the Supreme Court previously mandated that any demolition must be preceded by a 15-day notice to the property owner and adherence to statutory guidelines, ensuring due process is followed in such cases.

Supriya Mishra herself has denied receiving the notice, stating that she is unaware of the matter and that her home is being constructed near Shahadatganj. She mentioned that her husband, Lavkush, had worked at the Ram Temple for approximately two to three months. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of alleged financial impropriety and determining the legality of the properties involved. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for both the individuals implicated and the broader governance of religious institutions in India.