The investigation into alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has entered a crucial phase as Ayodhya Police questioned three key accused—Lavkush Mishra, Anukalp Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey—along with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) preparing for its third visit to the city.

The accused were presented with CCTV footage, witness statements, attendance registers, bank records, and other documentary evidence to establish their roles in the alleged diversion of temple donations.

Fresh searches and recoveries are likely as the SIT scrutinizes financial transactions, property documents, and electronic evidence to trace the alleged money trail.Eight accused have been arrested, with more arrests possible if complicity of others, including bank employees, is found.The Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, defended the Ram Temple Trust and accused the Opposition of involvement.The controversy began when a Samajwadi Party leader alleged ₹5-7.5 crore was siphoned off, leading to the formation of an SIT and FIR filing.Police recovered ₹79,85,493 from the accused.The case highlights systemic lapses in donation management and potential corruption within the trust and banking sectors.