'He Doesn't Even Chew Gutkha': Grandmother Defends Accused in Ram Temple Donation Scam

The ongoing investigation into the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft has taken a surreal turn as the family of a prime suspect attempts to reconcile his "innocent" public persona with the massive scale of the alleged financial crime. During a recent police raid at the residence of Anukalp Mishra, one of the primary accused, his grandmother, Sita Devi, vehemently defended him against the mounting evidence, describing her grandson as a "simple and sweet child" who is entirely free of common vices like tobacco or paan.

A Stark Contrast: Family Sentiment vs. Police Files

While Sita Devi’s portrayal paints a picture of a quiet, disciplined individual, the official police dossier tells a radically different tale. Investigators have identified Anukalp Mishra and his brother-in-law, Luvkush Mishra, as the masterminds behind a sophisticated embezzlement ring. According to police data, the duo funneled stolen donation money into high-end real estate, with authorities already uncovering more than half a dozen properties—including land and houses—registered in their names. The contrast between the grandmother's claims of simplicity and the investigators' findings of extravagant wealth acquisition has become a focal point of the ongoing probe.

The Kumbh Mela 'Maha Theft'

The Ayodhya Police have made a startling revelation regarding the timeline of the scam: the most significant theft occurred during the 2025 Kumbh Mela. While the gang had reportedly been engaging in petty pilfering prior to the event, the sheer volume of donations pouring in from international and domestic devotees during the Mela provided the perfect cover for a "Maha Theft." Authorities believe that the accused exploited the chaos and surge in footfall during the Kumbh to orchestrate a massive diversion of funds, elevating their criminal activity from minor thefts to a full-scale financial conspiracy.

ED and Income Tax Department to Enter the Fray

Given the gravity of the embezzlement and the complex money trail, the investigation is set to expand beyond local law enforcement. Ayodhya police are now coordinating with central agencies to tighten the noose around the accused. The Income Tax Department is currently auditing the unaccounted assets linked to the suspects, while the police are preparing to involve the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate the money laundering aspects of the case.

Bank Complicity Under Scrutiny

Perhaps the most damaging revelation for the accused is the growing suspicion surrounding State Bank of India (SBI) staff. A 14-member team—comprising 11 bank employees and 3 trust members—was responsible for counting temple donations. Police now strongly suspect that a theft of this magnitude could not have been executed without internal collusion. With internal bank audits currently underway and federal agencies stepping in, the authorities aim to expose the full network, ensuring that all beneficiaries of this massive breach of public trust are brought to justice.