The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday has alleged embezzlement of donation at Ram temple in Ayodhya had “deeply hurt” the sentiments of Ram devotees and all of the society, calling for stringent punishment for those guilty, while urging the temple trust to strengthen financial management and operational transparency.
In a statement, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale described the incident as “highly condemnable” and said the grand temple at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi had become a symbol of faith and devotion for the Hindu community through the sacrifices and dedication of generations of Ram devotees.
“The unfortunate incident of theft in the donation boxes kept at the Shri Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya has deeply hurt the sentiments and faith of the entire society and Ram devotees; we are all extremely pained and angered by this event,” the statement said.
Hosabale noted that, at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the Uttar Pradesh government had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and initiated legal proceedings based on its recommendations.
He said it was essential that anyone found guilty after the investigation be given severe punishment.
The RSS second-in-command also said it expected the temple trust to treat the incident as an extraordinary matter and take effective measures to address shortcomings in temple administration and operations.
“It is natural for the entire Hindu society, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, to expect the Trust to treat this highly condemnable incident as an extraordinary matter and take effective steps to rectify all shortcomings in temple management and operations,” he said .
Hosabale said the prevailing “confusion and uncertainty” surrounding the issue should end, adding that both the temple management and the government-appointed SIT should take all necessary steps to restore public confidence.
He expressed confidence that improved financial management, transparent operational systems and an atmosphere of “purity, sanctity and true dharmikta” would help the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust strengthen the faith of devotees.
The RSS general secretary also appealed to the Hindu community to maintain patience and restraint while the investigation proceeds.
Alleging that “anti-Hindu and anti-national forces” are seeking to malign the Hindu dharma and society by exploiting the Ram temple donation theft case, Hosabale also urged Hindus to thwart such “conspiracies”.
